Epiphany Celebrations in Premia

A tradition that concludes the holidays in upper Ossola

In the municipality of Premia, a small thermal village nestled in the Antigorio Valley in the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, the Epiphany is much more than just a date on the calendar. On January 6th, the hamlet of San Rocco gathers around its parish church to bring the Epiphany Celebrations to life. This event, curated by the Pro Loco of Premia, provides a charming conclusion to the Christmas holiday season in this corner of Piedmont, just a stone's throw from the Swiss border.

Holy Mass with the Holy Family and the Three Wise Men

The heart of the day is the celebration of Holy Mass with the Holy Family and the Three Wise Men, held in the square of the San Rocco church. The representation of the three Magi and the Holy Family accompanies the Epiphany liturgy, giving substance to one of the most beloved recurrences of Italian Christian and popular tradition. It is a simple and deeply engaging moment where the community of Premia comes together to celebrate the feast that closes the cycle of Christmas solemnities.

A social gathering at the former kindergarten

Following the religious service, the festivities continue with a social gathering open to the entire community at the former San Rocco kindergarten. It is an opportunity to meet in the warmth, exchange New Year's greetings, and share a moment together before returning to daily life—the true spirit of a village festival, defined by the hospitality and neighborhood bonds that characterize the mountain hamlets of the Ossola region.

Premia, a thermal village in the Antigorio Valley

Premia rises to an altitude of about 800 meters in the upper Antigorio Valley, in the northernmost part of Piedmont. Known for its thermal baths and the surrounding alpine landscape, the municipality preserves a strong identity rooted in Walser and Ossolan traditions. The hamlet of San Rocco, with its parish church often listed among the FAI 'Places of the Heart' (Luoghi del Cuore), is one of the most characteristic centers of the area. Participating in the Epiphany Celebrations means discovering an authentic side of the Piedmontese mountains, far from the major tourist flows.

Why attend

• A religious and popular tradition experienced with sincerity by the local community.
• The intimate atmosphere of an alpine village in the upper Verbano-Cusio-Ossola area.
• The representation of the Holy Family and the Three Wise Men in the picturesque setting of the San Rocco hamlet.
• The final social gathering, a perfect occasion to get to know the local residents.