Maria Ausiliatrice Festival - Salesian Institute of Lombriasco

A new festival in the spirit of Don Bosco

The Maria Ausiliatrice Festival at the Salesian Institute of Lombriasco, a small town in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Piedmont, was born from the desire to transform the traditional annual alumni gathering into a grand event open to the entire community. It is a festival that unites the religious devotion to Maria Ausiliatrice—the heart of the Salesian spirituality championed by Don Bosco—with the agricultural vocation that has defined this institute for over a century.

An institute that shaped Piedmontese agriculture

The Salesian Institute of Lombriasco traces its roots to the late 19th century, when the Salesians acquired the local castle. Between 1905 and 1913, the house took on a distinct agricultural character, leading to the establishment of the Theoretical-Practical School of Agriculture and, in 1937, the opening of the Agricultural Technical Institute. Today, the school continues to train young agricultural experts according to Don Bosco's vision: to raise "good Christians and honest citizens."

The program: between tradition and innovation

The day begins in the morning with a modern and vintage tractor rally, accompanied by breakfast and gadgets, with the participation of local enthusiasts. The spiritual heart of the event is the Holy Mass, followed by a procession in honor of Maria Ausiliatrice.

Throughout the day, the institute's park comes alive with numerous activities:

• over 60 exhibitors from the agricultural, gastronomic, and technological sectors;
• free tasting courses for wine, honey, and cheese;
• magic shows for all ages;
• guided tours of the institute's museum;
• prize games, carriage rides, bouncy castles for children, and aperitifs with accordion music.

At noon, a lunch in the refectory is available, with menus for adults and children (booking recommended). In the afternoon, a space is dedicated to the future of farming with a technical conference on drones in agriculture, hosted by university professors and industry experts. The day concludes with awards, street food, and a DJ set.

A community festival

The initiative stands out for its strong institutional support: over 25 municipalities in Piedmont and beyond have granted their patronage, including Turin, Aosta, Bra, Saluzzo, Savigliano, and Racconigi. This is a testament to how the Salesian Institute of Lombriasco serves as a landmark for the entire region of the Cuneo and Turin plains.