Patronal Feast of Sant'Antonino di Susa — Notte Azzurra

The Patronal Feast of Sant'Antonino di Susa

In the heart of the Susa Valley, the municipality of Sant'Antonino di Susa (Metropolitan City of Turin, Piedmont) dedicates a long festival every year to its patron saint, Saint Antoninus the Martyr. The celebrations span several days, from the last weekend of August to mid-September, transforming the town's squares and streets into a vibrant meeting place for residents and visitors from across the valley.

The Notte Azzurra, the main event

The climax of the festival is the Notte Azzurra (Blue Night), an event that draws the largest crowds. Between Piazza della Pace and Piazza della Libertà, the streets fill with street food, markets, craft displays, live music, and performances. One of the most popular attractions is the country dance evening in Piazza della Libertà, hosted by the Old Wild West Country Western Dance association, which keeps the crowd entertained until late at night.

Religious tradition and folklore

Alongside the entertainment, the festival maintains its devotional roots with celebrations and a procession in honor of Saint Antoninus the Martyr. In recent years, the event has also hosted a prologue to the international folklore festival La Castagna d'Oro, featuring groups from various continents, as well as low-noise fireworks, designed to minimize disturbance to animals and sensitive individuals.

Gastronomy and valley flavors

The Patronal Feast is also an opportunity to discover local flavors. Recent highlights include the Potato Festival, featuring a zero-kilometer market and themed menus from local restaurants, and the convivial evenings serving polenta and stew prepared by the Alpini under the Pro Loco gazebos in Piazza della Pace.

A festival for the whole community

Organized by the Municipality of Sant'Antonino di Susa in collaboration with the Pro Loco and numerous local associations, the festival offers a packed calendar of activities for all ages: fairground rides, sporting events, charity initiatives, children's activities, and family-oriented moments. It is one of the most representative events of the identity of this corner of Piedmont, where folk tradition and community spirit remain at the forefront.