Lessona Alpini Festival - 70th Anniversary

Seventy years of 'penne nere' in Lessona

In 2026, the Alpini Group of Lessona celebrates a major milestone: its 70th anniversary. Founded in 1956 by 27 original members and now boasting over a hundred active participants, the group has been a cornerstone of local community life in the Province of Biella, Piedmont, for decades. To mark this occasion, the town of Lessona transforms for an entire weekend into a stage for memory, Alpine tradition, and community spirit.

A community tied to the Alpini

Affiliated with the National Alpini Association - Biella Section, the Lessona Group is known for its constant commitment: from the care of the Alpini Garden, inaugurated in 1992, to the maintenance of the area around the church of San Gaudenzio, as well as scholarships for deserving young students and numerous charitable initiatives. The group's traditional festivals mark the Lessona calendar, from the winter bean dinner to the autumn chestnut festival: the 70th anniversary is the perfect opportunity to reflect on this long journey.

Two days of ritual and celebration

The celebratory program spans two days. Saturday begins with a gathering at the San Rocco chapel and a procession toward San Gaudenzio, featuring Holy Mass and the blessing of the restoration works, followed in the afternoon by walking tours, performances on local history and traditions, and old-fashioned games for all ages. Sunday is dedicated to the official ceremony: flag-raising in Piazza Sella, a parade with the Valle Elvo Brass Band, a tribute to the Fallen, and the traditional Alpini lunch at the festival grounds.

The special guest

The highlight is the special Saturday evening event at the sports hall, featuring Silvio "Gnaro" Mondinelli, the legendary mountaineer who conquered all 14 of the Earth's eight-thousanders without supplemental oxygen, accompanied by the voices of the Cesare Rinaldo Choir. An event that weaves together mountain culture—the true soul of the Alpini corps—with the warmth of a village festival.

Why you should attend

• A unique anniversary that happens only once: the group's 70th year.
• Official ceremonies with a brass band, parade, and honors to the Fallen.
• Moments for the whole family: walks, traditional games, and snacks.
• A meeting with a world-renowned mountaineer and a historic Alpine choir.
• Authentic Alpine hospitality with aperitifs and a convivial lunch.