Madonna della Neve Festival
Summer religious festival in the village of Selvavecchia, Valle Anzasca
About Madonna della Neve
A mountain festival in the village of Selvavecchia
The Madonna della Neve Festival takes place every year on August 5th in Selvavecchia, one of the fifteen hamlets that make up the municipality of Calasca-Castiglione, in Valle Anzasca, in the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, Piedmont. It is one of those local traditions that mark the Ossola summer, when villages scattered among the valley's terraces and forests come alive and community life gathers around the church and the square.
Devotion to Our Lady of the Snows
The festival is dedicated to Our Lady of the Snows (Madonna della Neve), one of the most widespread Marian devotions in alpine territories, whose liturgical feast falls on August 5th. In many mountain communities, this anniversary marks the highlight of the summer: people gather for religious celebrations, Holy Mass, and moments of reflection that draw residents, vacationers, and those with roots in the village who return for the occasion.
Flavors and products of the valley
Alongside the religious dimension, the festival preserves the convivial character typical of Ossola village feasts, with the distribution of local products. It is an opportunity to savor the mountain gastronomy of the area, made of genuine ingredients and food traditions linked to Valle Anzasca, in a simple and familiar atmosphere.
Calasca-Castiglione and Valle Anzasca
Calasca-Castiglione is a small municipality nestled along Valle Anzasca, the valley that rises from the Ossola plains toward Macugnaga and the Italian side of Monte Rosa. A mountain territory made of historic hamlets, trails, ancient terraces, and sanctuaries, where religious and popular tradition is still very much alive. The Madonna della Neve Festival is part of a rich summer calendar of events that animate the municipality's villages in August.
Why attend
- Experience an authentic mountain festival away from the main tourist crowds
- Discover the village of Selvavecchia and Valle Anzasca
- Savor the local products of the Ossola region
- Breathe in the popular devotion to Our Lady of the Snows
An intimate and genuine event, perfect for those seeking the most authentic traditions of the Piedmont mountains.
Madonna della Neve — edition 2026
The 2026 Madonna della Neve Festival will take place on August 5th in the village of Selvavecchia, Calasca-Castiglione (VB). According to the official municipal calendar, the day will be dedicated to religious celebrations in honor of Our Lady of the Snows and the distribution of local products.
The detailed program, including the times of services and social gatherings, is generally released closer to the festival through the channels of the Municipality of Calasca-Castiglione. For updated information, it is recommended to consult the municipal website or contact the office directly.
Programme Madonna della Neve 2026
General program: religious celebrations dedicated to Our Lady of the Snows and distribution of local products in the village of Selvavecchia. Detailed times will be announced by the Municipality closer to the festival.
Highlights Madonna della Neve 2026
- Religious celebrations in honor of Our Lady of the Snows
- Distribution of local products
- Traditional atmosphere in the village of Selvavecchia, Valle Anzasca
Prices Madonna della Neve 2026
Practical information — Madonna della Neve
Location
The festival is held in the village of Selvavecchia in Calasca-Castiglione (VB), in Valle Anzasca, Piedmont.
Getting there
By car from Domodossola, take the SR549 toward Valle Anzasca in the direction of Macugnaga; Calasca-Castiglione is located along the valley road. The nearest train station is Domodossola, on the international Simplon line; from there, continue by car or local transport services toward the valley.
Dates and admission
The festival takes place on August 5th. Admission is free. For updated schedules and details on the celebrations, it is recommended to contact the Municipality of Calasca-Castiglione.
Tips
As this is a mountain location, suitable clothing and comfortable footwear are recommended. Numerous trails and other historic hamlets of the valley can be found nearby.
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Where does it take place — Madonna della Neve
Frazione Selvavecchia