Patronal Festival of Saint Mary Magdalene in La Magdeleine
La Veillà and tradition in the hamlet of Valtournenche
About Patronal Festival La Magdeleine
The hamlet that bears the name of its saint
La Magdeleine is a tiny municipality in Valtournenche, in the Aosta Valley, made up of hamlets scattered on a sunny terrace facing the Matterhorn massif. The village owes its name to Saint Mary Magdalene, the patron saint celebrated annually around July 22nd with the patronal festival, the most cherished event of the community's summer calendar.
La Veillà, an evening in the ancient hamlet
The heart of the festival is the Veillà, the traditional vigil that enlivens the narrow streets and houses of the ancient hamlet. For one evening, the village goes back in time: along the streets, you can taste typical Aosta Valley products and dishes, listen to the music and sounds of local folklore, and discover the ancient crafts up close, recreated through demonstrations and stories that evoke the rhythms and gestures of past peasant life.
Between faith and community
The festive dimension is complemented by the religious one, with celebrations in honor of the patron saint marking the days. The festival is above all an occasion for the inhabitants of the hamlets and visitors to meet, in an authentic and intimate atmosphere, far from the major tourist flows.
A balcony over the Matterhorn
La Magdeleine, along with nearby Chamois, is famous for its tranquility and its choice to limit car traffic: the hamlet is a small paradise of slow tourism. The patronal festival is the ideal time to discover it, immersed in the panoramas of Valtournenche and the most genuine culture of the Aosta Valley.
Patronal Festival La Magdeleine — edition 2026
On July 22 and 23, 2026, La Magdeleine celebrates its patronal festival in honor of Saint Mary Magdalene. The heart of the festivities is the Veillà, the traditional evening that enlivens the ancient hamlet with stands of typical Aosta Valley products and dishes, music and sounds of local folklore, and the re-enactment of ancient crafts. Religious celebrations dedicated to the patron saint are also included.
Programme Patronal Festival La Magdeleine 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 patronal festival, with times and details of individual initiatives, will be published by the Municipality of La Magdeleine in the weeks preceding the event.
Usual structure of the festivities
- La Veillà - traditional evening in the ancient hamlet with typical Aosta Valley products and dishes
- Music and sounds of Aosta Valley folklore along the village streets
- Re-enactment of ancient crafts through demonstrations and stories
- Religious celebrations in honor of Saint Mary Magdalene
For the updated calendar: Municipality of La Magdeleine, tel. +39 0166 548274.
Highlights Patronal Festival La Magdeleine 2026
Prices Patronal Festival La Magdeleine 2026
Practical information — Patronal Festival La Magdeleine
How to get there
La Magdeleine can be reached by car from Valtournenche, turning off from Antey-Saint-André along the road that climbs towards Chamois and La Magdeleine. By train, the nearest station is Châtillon-Saint-Vincent, from which you can continue by bus or car.
Admission
The patronal festival has free admission.
Contacts
Municipality of La Magdeleine - email [email protected], tel. +39 0166 548274.
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Where does it take place — Patronal Festival La Magdeleine
Borgo antico di La Magdeleine
Borgo di La Magdeleine, 11020 La Magdeleine