Patronal Feast of Saint Mary of the Snows
The patronal feast of Boffalora sopra Ticino, featuring a Marian procession on the Naviglio canal and the Palio delle Contrade (District Race)
About Feast of Our Lady of the Snows
The Patron Saint Linked to the Naviglio
The Patronal Feast of Saint Mary of the Snows is the most important celebration in Boffalora sopra Ticino, a municipality in the Metropolitan City of Milan. Our Lady of the Snows, commemorated on August 5th, is the town's patron saint, and her feast day is profoundly intertwined with the history of the Naviglio Grande canal: according to tradition, the excavation of the canal that forever shaped the village began on the day of Our Lady of the Snows.
Marian Procession on the Naviglio
The heart of the festival is the evocative Marian procession along the Naviglio, which unfolds at dusk with the recitation of the Holy Rosary. It is a moment of great intensity, where water, faith, and community merge into one of Boffalora's most characteristic scenes. The procession is followed by "la Nevicata" (the snowfall), the traditional ice cream distributed on the church steps.
The Palio delle Contrade
Alongside the religious dimension, the festival thrives on popular spirit with the Palio delle Contrade: races and challenges involving the different districts of the town, from non-competitive runs to skill tests, culminating in the spectacular Cuccagna sul Naviglio (greased pole on the Naviglio). Awards celebrate the teams that have distinguished themselves through creativity and commitment.
A Community Festival
Between Vespers, Solemn Mass, community dinners in the parish hall, and games, the Feast of Saint Mary of the Snows is the major summer event that brings Boffalora together: a blend of sport, culture, and faith that celebrates the identity of the village on the Naviglio.
Feast of Our Lady of the Snows — edition 2026
The 2026 Patronal Feast of Saint Mary of the Snows in Boffalora sopra Ticino maintains its traditional timing between late July and the first Sunday of August, around the August 5th commemoration of Our Lady of the Snows.
The program, published annually by the parish and municipality in the weeks prior, includes the solemn Marian procession along the Naviglio with the recitation of the Rosary, religious services, the Palio delle Contrade with its races, and the spectacular Cuccagna on the Naviglio.
Programme Feast of Our Lady of the Snows 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be published by the parish and municipality in the weeks preceding the feast. Based on the traditional structure, the following are expected:
- Non-competitive run for the children's district palio
- Vespers of the Virgin in church with supplication to Our Lady of the Snows
- Marian procession along the Naviglio with recitation of the Holy Rosary, followed by "la Nevicata" on the church steps
- Solemn Mass of Our Lady of the Snows
- Cuccagna on the Naviglio and Palio delle Contrade awards ceremony
- Community dinner in the parish hall
Highlights Feast of Our Lady of the Snows 2026
Prices Feast of Our Lady of the Snows 2026
Practical information — Feast of Our Lady of the Snows
When
Traditionally between the last week of July and the first Sunday of August, around the feast day of Our Lady of the Snows (August 5th). The detailed program is published by the parish and the municipality in the weeks prior.
Where
Church of Saint Mary of the Snows, parish hall, and banks of the Naviglio Grande in Boffalora sopra Ticino (MI).
Admission
Free. Community dinners in the parish hall may require booking.
How to get there
Boffalora sopra Ticino is reachable by car from the SS11 (A4 Marcallo-Mesero exit) and by train from Magenta and Marcallo-Mesero stations, on the Milan-Turin line.
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Where does it take place — Feast of Our Lady of the Snows
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Neve e Naviglio Grande