Festival of Saint Anthony Abbot

The patron saint of farmers in Valsassina

In Crandola Valsassina, a small municipality in the province of Lecco, January 17th is the day of the patron saint: Saint Anthony Abbot, protector of animals and the farming world. It is one of the most deeply rooted winter celebrations in the valley, a time when the community comes together in the midst of winter to celebrate faith and ancient traditions, linked to rural culture and the memory of patronal feasts of the past.

Mass and Blessing of Animals

The religious heart of the festival is the solemn Mass in the parish church, animated by the Margno Choir, followed by the traditional blessing of animals — a typical custom of Saint Anthony Abbot throughout Valsassina. The festival is organized by the Pro Loco of Crandola together with the municipal administration and the Pastoral Unit of the Upper Valley.

Scapinasc, the festival dish

The most characteristic element of the Crandola celebration is scapinasc: gnocchi made from stale bread which, according to the village tradition, are prepared with a sweet filling based on amaretti biscuits, breadcrumbs, Parmigiano Reggiano, parsley, lemon zest, and sultanas. A humble dish from Valsassina cuisine that, precisely for Saint Anthony's occasion, returns to the table as a living link to the history of the territory.

Why it's worth it

The Festival of Saint Anthony Abbot in Crandola is an opportunity to discover the most authentic Valsassina in the heart of winter: a village festival where popular devotion, the blessing of animals, and traditional cuisine tell of a still-living mountain identity. An experience for those seeking the roots of Lecco's alpine culture.