Festa di Santa Maria Maddalena - Prato San Pietro

The Feast of Mary Magdalene in Valsassina

In the hamlet of Prato San Pietro, part of the municipality of Cortenova in Valsassina (province of Lecco), the Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene is the community's most cherished patronal festival. Celebrated in honor of the patron saint around July 22nd, it has a long history: according to tradition, it has been celebrated every year since 1965, whereas previously it was only held when July 22nd fell on a Sunday.

Faith and Community

The heart of the festival is its religious dimension, with masses and the final spiritual moment at the small chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene in the locality of Taecc, which can also be reached by a jeep shuttle service. Surrounding the celebrations is a calendar that combines singing, dancing, and conviviality, with the opportunity to taste the typical dishes of Valsassina tradition.

Sport and Tradition

The festival also has a sporting soul. In recent editions, the program opened with the Valsassina Bike Cup, a mountain bike race on a circuit of about 8 kilometers, followed by a running race open to all, with different distances for adults and children. Outdoor sports, immersed in the mountain landscapes of Valsassina, give the festival a dynamic and engaging character.

A Hamlet Festival

Organized by the Associazione Santa Maria Maddalena di Cortenova (Saint Mary Magdalene Association of Cortenova), the festival is an example of the vitality of Lombard mountain hamlets, capable of keeping their patronal traditions alive. For Prato San Pietro, it is the annual opportunity to come together, welcome visitors, and renew the bond with its own identity.