Patronal Feast of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

A festival that tells the story of Mappano's identity

The Patronal Feast of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is at the heart of community life in Mappano, a young municipality in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Piedmont. The municipal statutes recognize Our Lady of the Sacred Heart of Jesus as the town's patron saint, and the year's most important celebration has always revolved around this devotion. The festival is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Mappano community, which grew around its Sanctuary and the parish on Via Generale Dalla Chiesa.

The religious spirit

The spiritual aspect of the feast is marked by a solemn mass and a procession that winds through the town streets to the Sanctuary. In recent years, the main religious celebration has been moved to late May, with a liturgy presided over by the Archbishop of Turin. Around this time, the parish also hosts cultural meetings dedicated to the figure of Mary, featuring music, art, and literature, which enrich the significance of the feast.

The popular spirit and the Pro Loco

Alongside the religious dimension, the Patronal Feast comes alive in its popular and civic version, traditionally held in July and organized by the Pro Loco of Mappano in collaboration with the Municipality. For several days, the town squares buzz with activity:

• The food stall managed by Pro Loco volunteers in Piazza San Giovanni Paolo II, famous for its grilled meats and traditional Piedmontese dishes;
• The funfair, with rides spread between Piazza Don Amerano and the area of Piazza San Giovanni Paolo II;
• Musical evenings, with orchestras and ballroom dance groups that keep the crowd dancing until late;
• Traditional events such as flag-waver performances and the sale of local sweets by community associations.

A community celebration

The Patronal Feast is above all an opportunity for the inhabitants of Mappano to meet: a moment when the town gathers around its patron saint, amidst faith, conviviality, and tradition. The festival represents an important piece of identity for a relatively young community like Mappano's, and every year it also attracts visitors from neighboring towns in the northern belt of Turin. Admission to the events is free, while reservations are recommended for the food stall through the Pro Loco.