Festa Patronale del Nome di Maria di Cecima

Cecima, a medieval jewel of Oltrepò

The Festa Patronale del Nome di Maria is the most anticipated celebration of the year in Cecima, one of the most picturesque medieval villages in Oltrepò Pavese, in the Province of Pavia. The village retains its medieval layout intact, with a network of narrow alleys, exposed stone houses, and cobblestone pavements made from the pebbles of the Staffora stream. The first documented evidence dates back to 943, when the village was donated by King Lothair to the Bishop of Pavia.

The Festival of the Name of Mary

The patronal festival is dedicated to the Name of Mary and is celebrated around September 12th. It is the time when the community of Cecima comes together around its religious identity and the parish church of Saints Martino and Lazzaro, built in 1460. The festival combines the devotional dimension—with solemn celebrations—and the convivial aspect, typical of village festivals in Oltrepò.

A Village to Discover

Attending the festival is also an opportunity to discover Cecima, a place with a timeless atmosphere, nestled in the hills of Oltrepò and famous for its starry skies. Walking through the stone houses of the historic center, with views opening onto the surrounding valleys, is an experience that combines history, nature, and tradition.

The Identity of Oltrepò Pavese

The Festa del Nome di Maria tells the most authentic soul of Oltrepò Pavese, a land of medieval villages, wines, and deep-rooted traditions. An event that, year after year, keeps alive the bond of the Cecima community with its millennial history, in the heart of the Province of Pavia.