Patronal Feast of Saint Blaise and Saint Agatha
The Dance of the Spadonari and the Savoiarde in the heart of the Susa Valley
About Saint Blaise and Saint Agatha Venaus
One of the oldest patronal feasts in the Alps
Every winter, the small village of Venaus, nestled in the upper Susa Valley in the province of Turin, gathers around its patron saints, Saint Blaise (February 3rd) and Saint Agatha (February 5th). The Patronal Feast is more than just a religious anniversary: it is the moment when the entire community reaffirms its identity through gestures, costumes, and music passed down for generations. Alpine Piedmont preserves one of its most evocative rituals here.
The Dance of the Spadonari
The beating heart of the festival is the Dance of the Spadonari, an ancient armed dance performed by four dancers on the church square after mass. Their most recognizable feature is the characteristic oval headdress covered in colorful flowers, tied with red or green ribbons. The curved, double-edged swords, featuring mobile and decorated hilts, are twirled following a precise choreography.
- Two ritual marches: the punta bàti and the punta bas
- Four dances: punta, quadri, salto, and cuori
- The art is passed down from father to son
There are several interpretations regarding the meaning of the dance: a propitiatory rite for the fertility of the land in mid-winter, a Christian symbol linked to the martyrdom of Saint Blaise, or perhaps a legacy of ancient warrior movements. In 1995, some rock carvings discovered on Mount Rocciamelone revealed armed figures surprisingly similar to the steps of today's Spadonari.
The Savoiarde
Accompanying the procession of the saints are the Savoiarde, women in traditional costumes whose attire recalls that of the populations from nearby Savoy: precious embroidered shawls with sequins, silk bonnets tied to the side, and black wool dresses with ruffled skirts and brocaded silk aprons. The dressing process, overseen every morning by a group of experts, is a ritual in itself.
Carnival, concerts, and culture
A rich calendar of events develops around the two patronal days, lasting for weeks: concerts by the Venausina Philharmonic, dance evenings, book presentations, theatrical performances, film screenings, a photography exhibition, and the Balandrana Carnival with its parade of masks for all ages. A village festival that perfectly blends the sacred with the convivial.
Why it's worth the trip
For those visiting the Susa Valley, witnessing the Dance of the Spadonari in Venaus means connecting with an authentic and profound side of Piedmont, far from mass tourism circuits. It is an opportunity to discover a living alpine ritual, jealously guarded by a small community, and to experience the warm, inclusive atmosphere of a mountain patronal feast.
Saint Blaise and Saint Agatha Venaus — edition 2026
The 2026 edition opened on January 31st and concluded on March 20th, confirming the vitality of one of the most deeply rooted patronal feasts in the Alpine Piedmont. The heart of the event featured performances of the Dance of the Spadonari on the church square on February 3rd (Saint Blaise) and February 8th (the octave), both after the 11:00 AM mass and accompanied by the Venausina Philharmonic. Surrounding the two patronal days was a dense program of concerts, theater, cinema, and culture, in addition to the Balandrana Carnival on February 14th.
Programme Saint Blaise and Saint Agatha Venaus 2026
January 31
- 21:00 — Concert "Voices beyond the barbed wire"
February 2
- 18:30 — "Les Arbades", concert by the Venausina Philharmonic
February 3 — Saint Blaise
- 11:00 — Holy Mass, followed by the Dance of the Spadonari on the square with the Venausina Philharmonic
February 4 — Eve of Saint Agatha
- 18:30 — Concert by the Venausina Philharmonic
February 5 — Saint Agatha
- Holy Mass in honor of the patron saint
February 6
- 21:00 — Dance evening with the I Roeri Orchestra
February 7
- 16:00 — Presentation of the book by Franca Nemo
February 8 — Octave of Saint Blaise
- 11:00 — Procession with the Savoiarde, Holy Mass, and Dance of the Spadonari on the square
February 14 — Balandrana Carnival
- 14:30 — Carnival parade for all ages
February 15
- 21:00 — Film screening "The Year to Come"
February 20
- 21:00 — Theatrical performance
February 22
- 10:00 — Snowshoe hike
February 28 – March 20
- Photography exhibition "Suspended Atmospheres"
March 1
- 21:00 — Theatrical performance
March 7
- 16:00 — Animated readings and, in the evening, murder mystery dinner
March 14
- 21:00 — Concert by the Alpine Choir of Rivoli
Highlights Saint Blaise and Saint Agatha Venaus 2026
Prices Saint Blaise and Saint Agatha Venaus 2026
Practical information — Saint Blaise and Saint Agatha Venaus
How to get there
Venaus is located in the upper Susa Valley (TO). By car: A32 Turin-Bardonecchia motorway, Susa exit, then the provincial road towards Venaus. By train: Susa station, then local bus connection.
When
Celebrations are concentrated in the first days of February (Saint Blaise on the 3rd, Saint Agatha on the 5th, and the octave on the following Sunday), with cultural events and the Carnival continuing until March.
Costs
Admission to the festival events is free.
Information
Municipality of Venaus, tel. +39 0122 505001, e-mail [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Saint Blaise and Saint Agatha Venaus
Chiesa parrocchiale e sedi varie