Cressa Music Fest / San Prospero Patronal Feast

The Cressa Patronal Feast

The San Prospero Patronal Feast is the main summer event in Cressa, a small town in the Province of Novara, in northern Piedmont, near the Vergante area and the lakes. Dedicated to the town's patron saint, the festival transforms the streets and community spaces for several days into a vibrant meeting place where music, fine dining, and tradition intertwine in an authentic village atmosphere. It is an entirely free event organized by the Santi Giulio e Amatore Parish of Cressa with the patronage of the municipality.

Two spirits: music and gastronomy

The festival is divided into two complementary parts. The first is the Cressa Music Fest, hosted at the Via Martiri sports area: two evenings dedicated to live music, street food, and craft beers selected from local microbreweries. During these nights, the street is closed to traffic to welcome the public safely, creating a festival atmosphere in the heart of the town.

The second part is Cressa in Festa, a gastronomic week held in the intimate Oratory Courtyard. Each evening is a small culinary journey through Italy's regions: recent editions have featured nights dedicated to Aosta Valley, Veneto, Abruzzo, and Lazio, with traditional dishes prepared by local volunteers, culminating in the grand finale with the special San Prospero menu and a barbecue under the stars.

A community tradition

What makes the Cressa festival special is its community spirit: parish and town volunteers cook, serve, and host the evenings, in a format that has attracted not only locals but also visitors from neighboring towns for years. The combination of music for younger generations and home-cooked food makes this event a successful example of a village festival that speaks to all ages.

Who is it for?

• Families looking for a convivial and free evening
• Fans of live music and craft beers
• Foodies curious about regional Italian cuisine
• Those wanting to discover the authentic village life of the Novara area

Nestled in the greenery of northern Piedmont, a short distance from Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta, Cressa offers the perfect opportunity to combine a trip to the lakes with an evening of taste and tradition.