Laburnum Fair and Patronal Feast of Saint John the Baptist

The fair that kicks off summer in the Upper Susa Valley

The Laburnum Fair and Patronal Feast of Saint John the Baptist is the first major summer event in Cesana Torinese, a town in the Metropolitan City of Turin nestled in the Upper Susa Valley, at the foot of the Via Lattea and just a stone's throw from the French border. The event takes its name from the laburnum, the mountain shrub that covers itself in characteristic clusters of yellow flowers during this period, coloring the valley slopes.

Markets between Via Roma and the Ripa stream

The heart of the festival is the "Blooming Laburnum" themed market, which winds along the wide pedestrian area of Via Roma, the town's true living room, and Viale XXIV Maggio, which runs along the Ripa stream. Among the stalls, you will find floriculture, plants, handicrafts, ceramics, jewelry, spices, natural cosmetics, and folk art items such as lace and embroidery. The stands are open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, making it the perfect time for a stroll among mountain scents, colors, and flavors.

Music, motors, and tradition

The program goes beyond the market stalls: the evening is dedicated to live music in Piazza Vittorio Amedeo, while one day is reserved for the "Motors in the Mountains" vintage car exhibition, a favorite among enthusiasts. There are also exhibitions, including those linked to the local sculpture school, and games for children, making the festival suitable for the whole family.

The patron saint's day

June 24th, the feast day of Saint John the Baptist, is the religious and identity-focused heart of the festival: at 10:30 AM, a solemn mass is celebrated, followed by the traditional procession through the streets of the historic center. It is the moment when the community of Cesana renews its bond with its patron saint, in an alpine setting that combines devotion, folklore, and hospitality.

A border festival

Organized by the Proyoung Pro Loco with the support of the Municipality of Cesana Torinese and local associations, the fair attracts visitors every year from all over Piedmont and nearby France, thanks to Cesana's location along the roads leading up to the Montgenèvre Pass. A perfect opportunity to discover the Upper Susa Valley in its most vivid colors.