Saint Anthony Abbot Festival

A farming tradition in the heart of Piedmont

In the town of Bosco Marengo, in the Province of Alessandria, the Saint Anthony Abbot Festival is one of the most cherished winter events. It is celebrated every year on January 17th, the day the Catholic Church commemorates the Egyptian hermit saint, who has been venerated for centuries as the protector of domestic animals, livestock, and those who work the land. In an agricultural town like Bosco Marengo, this occasion is deeply rooted in the rural culture of the lower Alessandria area and continues to bring the entire community together.

The Rione Sant'Antonio district and its church

The heart of the festival is the Church of Saint Anthony Abbot on Via Gatti 40 and the nearby Piazza Sant'Antonio, around which the life of the district revolves. The Rione Sant'Antonio Association manages the day's organization alongside the parish community, keeping alive a tradition that weaves together faith, conviviality, and neighborhood identity. The same district also enlivens the town during the summer with social events in the square.

The blessing of the animals

The most anticipated moment is the blessing of the animals, an ancient rite linked to the figure of Saint Anthony: dogs, cats, and other pets are brought near the church to receive a blessing, following a custom widespread throughout Piedmont and much of Italy on the day of Saint Anthony Abbot. It is a simple, family-friendly occasion that introduces even the youngest to the meaning of the festival.

Bosco Marengo, the town of Pope Pius V

It is worth noting that Bosco Marengo is famous for the Monumental Complex of Santa Croce, a grand church and convent commissioned by Pope Pius V (Antonio Ghislieri), a native of the town, and embellished with works by Giorgio Vasari. Those visiting the village for the Saint Anthony Abbot Festival can combine popular devotion with the discovery of one of Piedmont's lesser-known artistic treasures.