Lo Gran Dilun de Ronc

An ancient tradition brought back to life

Lo Gran Dilun de Ronc, literally the "Great Monday of Ronco," is one of the most cherished festivals in Ronco Canavese, the main town of the Soana Valley in the Province of Turin, located in the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park. Historically, this celebration took place every year on the last Monday of Pentecost. After a hiatus of several years, it has been revived through the dedicated efforts of the local community, the municipal administration, and local associations.

A celebration of community and identity

The Gran Dilun is much more than a simple anniversary: it is the moment when the entire village reconnects with its roots. Situated at an altitude of 956 meters and surrounded by over thirty hamlets scattered across the valley floor and slopes, Ronco Canavese preserves a rare heritage of Franco-Provençal dialect, costumes, and traditions. During the festival, residents wear the traditional Soana Valley attire, restoring the atmosphere of a bygone era to the village streets.

Key moments of the day

• Thanksgiving Mass at the parish church of San Giusto, celebrated in traditional dress
• Performance by local primary school students at the Don Lorenzo Babando Theatre
• Screening of a documentary dedicated to the roots and culture of the valley
• Convivial lunch with music, featuring awards for the youngest and oldest residents of the village
• Roulette dla Busa, a historic popular game played along Via Alpetta

Faith, folklore, and mountain gastronomy

The day is an invitation to everyone—administrators, associations, merchants, artisans, families, and the entire community—to gather and share the flavors and customs of alpine tradition. Visiting Ronco Canavese during the Gran Dilun means discovering an authentic corner of the Canavese region, where the Soana Valley reveals its soul, defined by biodiversity, ancient crafts, and typical mountain products.