Festa di San Zeno (Madonna di San Zeno)

A Festival of Devotion and Christmas

The Festa di San Zeno, or Festa della Madonna di San Zeno, is celebrated in Carugo, a municipality in the province of Como in the heart of Brianza, on December 8th, the day of the Immaculate Conception. It is linked to the church of Madonna di San Zeno, a place of Marian devotion for the town, and marks the beginning of the Christmas period for the Carugo community, combining the religious dimension with a festive and charitable spirit.

Via Toti Dresses Up for the Festivities

The heart of the celebrations is Via Toti, which for the occasion transforms into a small Christmas village. Here, children can meet Santa Claus Village, while along the street, there's a market for hobbyists and gazebos from local associations. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, typical of winter village festivals, filled with lights, decorations, and the scent of mulled wine.

Solidarity and Tradition

The festival also has a strong charitable aspect: among the initiatives are the charity sale of panettone cakes and a charity raffle, with proceeds supporting local projects. Organized by the Pro Loco of Carugo, the event exemplifies how the patronal and Marian festivals of Brianza successfully combine devotion, conviviality, and solidarity.

Carugo and Brianza's Christmas

For the Municipality of Carugo, the Festa di San Zeno is the event that symbolically opens the holiday calendar. In Brianza, a region rich in Christmas traditions, Via Toti becomes the center of village life for a day, an ideal destination for a stroll among markets, sweets, and festive atmospheres.