Patronal Feast of Saint James (Sent Joapuksch Virtag)
The feast of the patron saint of Issime, heart of the Walser tradition of the Lys Valley
About Feast of Saint James
The Patron Saint of Issime
The Patronal Feast of Saint James is the feast of the patron saint of Issime, a small municipality in the Province of Aosta nestled in the Lys Valley. It is celebrated every year on July 25th, the day of Saint James the Greater: in Töitschu, the ancient Germanic language of the village, it is Sent Joapuksch Virtag.
A Walser Enclave
Issime is one of the historic Walser enclaves of the Aosta Valley: its inhabitants are descended from settlers from Upper Valais who, starting from the 12th century, settled in the upper Lys Valley. Töitschu, still spoken today, and the typical architecture of the wooden and stone stadel bear witness to this identity. The heart of the village is the Church of Saint James, famous for the monumental fresco of the Last Judgment that decorates its facade.
The Feast
The patronal day combines the religious moment—the solemn mass—with the community one, featuring a concert and performance by the Musikkapelle 'La Lira' of Issime, the band founded in 1906 to liven up patronal feasts, weddings, and celebrations in the village and surrounding areas. With its Tyrolean and Bavarian-inspired uniforms and a repertoire also dedicated to Germanic composers, the band is today one of the most visible custodians of Issime's Walser distinctiveness. Amidst music, costumes, and traditions, Saint James remains one of the most cherished identity moments for the community.
Feast of Saint James — edition 2026
The Patronal Feast of Saint James in Issime takes place, as is tradition, on July 25th, a fixed date dedicated to the patron saint: in 2026, it falls on a Saturday. The day includes the solemn mass in the Church of Saint James and the concert by the Musikkapelle 'La Lira' of Issime, with the Walser traditions that characterize the community of the Lys Valley. At the time of writing this description, the detailed program for the 2026 edition has not yet been published: updates are disseminated by the Municipality of Issime in the days preceding the feast.
Programme Feast of Saint James 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition has not yet been published. The festival follows the traditional structure:
- Solemn mass in honor of Saint James the Greater in the parish church of Issime
- Concert and performance by the Musikkapelle 'La Lira' of Issime
- Moments of celebration and Walser traditions of the village
Updates are published by the Municipality of Issime.
Prices Feast of Saint James 2026
Practical information — Feast of Saint James
How to get there
Issime is located in the Lys Valley, along the regional road that climbs from Pont-Saint-Martin towards Gressoney and Monte Rosa. It can be reached by car from the A5 motorway (Pont-Saint-Martin exit).
Information
The festival takes place on July 25th. The detailed program will be announced by the Municipality of Issime in the days preceding the event.
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Where does it take place — Feast of Saint James
Chiesa di San Giacomo e capoluogo di Issime
Località Capoluogo, 11020 Issime