Patronal Feast of Saints Fausto and Felice

Cocconato's most cherished celebration

In the heart of the Asti Monferrato, perched on a hill that earned it the nickname "Riviera of Monferrato" for its mild climate, the village of Cocconato hosts its most anticipated annual event: the Patronal Feast of Saints Fausto and Felice. Traditionally held during the second week of September, it is a time when the entire village gathers for four days of festivities that combine faith, community spirit, and fine dining.

Two martyrs of the Theban Legion

Cocconato's patron saints, Fausto and Felice, were martyrs of the Theban Legion. Their relics, kept in a 17th-century reliquary, were brought from Rome in 1663 at the request of the City Council—an ancient bond that is still renewed today during the religious celebration, when the parish priest and the mayor present the reliquary before the high altar prior to the solemn mass. The date of the feast has shifted over time: from its original date of July 29th, it moved to the second Sunday of October in the mid-18th century, and finally to the second Sunday of September in 1909.

Evenings of music and gastronomy

Beyond its religious significance, the Cocconato patronal feast is above all a celebration for the people. The program revolves around musical evenings in Piazza Giordano, featuring live bands and DJ sets, and the culinary events organized by the Pro Loco: a food stall serving local specialties (robiola cheese, cured meats, agnolotti, grilled meats) and, most notably, the grand dinners hosted in the charming Cortile del Collegio, including the historic "Tutti a Cena Qui…né," dedicated to the memory of the figures who shaped the history of the Pro Loco.

The patronal fair

The festival concludes with the much-awaited patronal fair along Via Roma, where dozens of stalls bring the historic center to life throughout the morning. It is the perfect opportunity to stroll through the village streets, shop for local goods, and soak up the authentic atmosphere of a Piedmontese town festival.

A September of events in Monferrato

The patronal feast is the centerpiece of a vibrant September in Cocconato, which also includes the Cocco…Wine festival, the Medieval Fair, and the historic Donkey Palio with its costumed procession. Visiting Cocconato during this period means immersing yourself in the most vivid traditions of the Monferrato, a land of great wines and UNESCO World Heritage hills.