Saint Anthony Abbot Festival
Faith, rural traditions, and the blessing of animals in Envie
About Saint Anthony Abbot in Envie
A rural festival in the heart of the Po Valley
The Saint Anthony Abbot Festival is one of the most cherished traditions in Envie, a small town in the Province of Cuneo, Piedmont, nestled at the foot of Monviso and overlooking the Po Valley. Dedicated to the hermit saint venerated as the protector of domestic and farm animals, the festival is rooted in the local agricultural culture, where the blessing of animals was a vital appointment for families living off farming and livestock.
Two communities, one shared devotion
What makes the Envie celebration unique is that it involves both the main town and the Occa hamlet. In the town center, services are held in the picturesque hillside chapel dedicated to Saint Anthony Abbot, while in Occa, the focal point is the parish church of Santa Maria. In both locations, the day revolves around mass, the blessing of animals, and the distribution of caritun, the traditional blessed loaves that the faithful receive as a sign of protection and good fortune.
The charity auction and community spirit
Following the religious services, the traditional incanto—a popular charity auction—takes place on the church square, where food products, objects, and gifts donated by the faithful are 'bid' upon. The funds raised are entirely dedicated to parish needs, embodying a spirit of solidarity that is an integral part of the festival. In the main town, after mass, the day continues with refreshments offered by the Saint Anthony District Festival Committee, a moment of fraternity and sharing for the entire community.
A tradition that stands the test of time
The Saint Anthony Abbot Festival in Envie is a testament to a community that continues to cherish its roots. Even in recent editions, marked by bad weather and heavy rain, the participation of the faithful has shown that faith and tradition are stronger than any obstacle. For those visiting the Po Valley in January, it is an opportunity to discover an authentic Piedmont, defined by popular rituals, church bells calling entire villages to gather, and a bond that remains alive between man, the land, and animals.
Saint Anthony Abbot in Envie — edition 2026
On Sunday, January 18, 2026, the Envie community celebrated Saint Anthony Abbot in two distinct locations. In the town center, mass was officiated by Father Mariano Tallone in the chapel dedicated to the saint, while in the hamlet of Occa, Father Angelo Vincenti and Father Tonino Arnaudo celebrated in the church of Santa Maria. In both cases, after the services, the blessing of domestic animals and the distribution of traditional caritun, the blessed bread, took place.
In Occa, the characteristic 'incanto' was held—a popular auction featuring products and gifts donated by the faithful to support the parish. Despite the bad weather, the day confirmed the strength of a tradition deeply rooted in the Po Valley territory.
Programme Saint Anthony Abbot in Envie 2026
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Envie Town Center
- Novena: from January 9 to 17, daily rosary at 8:00 PM
- 10:00 AM — Solemn Mass in the Saint Anthony Abbot chapel (celebrated by Father Mariano Tallone)
- At the end — Blessing of animals and distribution of caritun (blessed bread), organized by massari Andrea Morra and Gabriele Demaria
- Following — Community refreshments offered by the Saint Anthony District Festival Committee
Occa Hamlet
- 10:00 AM — Mass in the church of Santa Maria (celebrated by Father Angelo Vincenti and Father Tonino Arnaudo)
- After mass — Blessing of domestic animals and distribution of Saint Anthony's bread, the caritun
- Following — Traditional 'incanto' on the church square, a popular auction organized by Natale Civallero, with proceeds destined for the parish
Highlights Saint Anthony Abbot in Envie 2026
The blessing of domestic animals, the distribution of caritun, and the popular auction in the hamlet of Occa are the most anticipated moments of the festival. The evening novena preceding the celebration in the town center is also particularly evocative.
Prices Saint Anthony Abbot in Envie 2026
Practical information — Saint Anthony Abbot in Envie
When
The festival takes place around January 17th, the feast day of Saint Anthony Abbot, generally on the Sunday closest to the date. Solemn mass is usually held at 10:00 AM.
Where
In the town of Envie (Province of Cuneo) at the chapel dedicated to Saint Anthony Abbot; in the hamlet of Occa at the parish church of Santa Maria.
How to get there
Envie can be reached by car from Saluzzo (approx. 10 km) and from Cuneo. The Saint Anthony chapel is located on a hillside; the hamlet of Occa is a short distance from the town center.
Costs
Participation in services and blessings is free. The 'incanto' is a charity auction with proceeds going to the parish.
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Where does it take place — Saint Anthony Abbot in Envie
Cappella di Sant'Antonio Abate e chiesa di Santa Maria (frazione Occa)