Patronal Festival of Saint Pantaleon in Chamois

Chamois, the car-free village

Chamois (Province of Aosta) is one of the most extraordinary places in the Alps: at about 1,800 meters above sea level, it is the only Italian municipality without cars, reachable only by cable car from Buisson or on foot along the mule tracks. This choice gives it an atmosphere of peace and authenticity that makes every event a timeless experience.

Saint Pantaleon, the patron saint

The patronal festival is dedicated to Saint Pantaleon (Pantaleon of Nicomedia), a Byzantine martyr venerated as the patron of doctors. The celebration traditionally falls on the last Sunday of July and represents one of the most heartfelt moments of the year for the small community.

The festival rites

The heart of the day is the Holy Mass at 11:00 AM, followed by the distribution of blessed bread and the laying of a wreath at the War Memorial. In the afternoon, the music of the Saint-Vincent band accompanies the festivities, while a market of crafts and food products winds through the village, open from morning to evening.

The traditional oven of Corgnolaz

For the occasion, the traditional oven in the hamlet of Corgnolaz is fired up again over the weekend, where bread is baked according to ancient Aosta Valley tradition. This act links the patron saint's festival to the culture of mountain bread, a symbol of community and identity, and allows visitors to savor the most authentic tradition of Chamois.