Oratory Walk

A May 1st tradition in Borgomanero

The Oratory Walk is one of the most cherished and long-standing events in Borgomanero, in the province of Novara, in the heart of the Piedmontese region. Reaching its 48th edition in 2026, this non-competitive walk brings together over a thousand people every May 1st, from children to seniors, for a morning of popular sport and community celebration. It is not a race in the competitive sense; rather, it is an opportunity to come together, walk in nature, and celebrate the arrival of spring with the entire town.

Routes through the hills

The meeting point is the Monsignor Felice Piana Oratory on Viale Dante, where two routes designed for all ages and fitness levels begin:

• Mini-tour: A short, accessible route, ideal for families with children and those who prefer a leisurely pace.
• 8 km long loop: The classic trail that winds through the Castellazzo and Scirella hills and the Sizzone valley, crossing woods, paths, and scenic viewpoints over the Borgomanero area.

Along the way, participants traverse some of the most beautiful and hidden corners of the hills surrounding the town, rediscovering a landscape that blends nature with local identity at a slow pace.

A community celebration

The walk is made possible by the collective effort of the Oratory and Parish of Borgomanero, the City of Borgomanero, and local associations, with the support of the Italian Alpine Club (Borgomanero section) and the Alpini Group. The affordable registration fee includes a commemorative t-shirt, and it is precisely this popular and accessible spirit that has made the event an unmissable classic on the city calendar.

At the end of the route, the festivities continue in the oratory courtyard with a communal lunch, a convivial moment that concludes the morning and seals the event's spirit of togetherness. As the organizers have often noted, the Oratory Walk is above all "a wonderful moment of community gathering, dedicated to lightheartedness."

An event for everyone

Suitable for runners, hikers, families, and casual walkers alike, the Oratory Walk of Borgomanero demonstrates how a small local tradition can evolve, year after year, into a major event of popular participation. Located in northeastern Piedmont, just a stone's throw from Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore, it is the perfect way to spend May 1st in the great outdoors.