Saint Anthony Abbot Festival in Galfione

A patronal feast in the heart of the Elvo Valley

In Galfione, an ancient hamlet in the municipality of Occhieppo Superiore, in the province of Biella (Piedmont), the Saint Anthony Abbot Festival is one of the most cherished winter events. Every year, around January 17th—the day the Church commemorates the Egyptian hermit saint—the community gathers in its parish church to honor the patron with two days of religious services and social gatherings.

A church with over two centuries of history

The festival is deeply rooted in the hamlet's long religious history. The parish of Galfione was established in 1779 under the title of Saint Anthony Abbot, marking the first act of the newly formed Diocese of Biella, after the Confraternity of Saint Roch—active since 1714—had become the hub of the village's spiritual life. The church houses a fine 18th-century pulpit, a testament to the sacred art of the Biella region. Celebrating Saint Anthony Abbot here means renewing a devotion that has spanned centuries.

Faith and early music

The program combines liturgy with high-quality cultural offerings. Alongside the Holy Masses, the festival features an evening spiritual concert dedicated to sacred and Baroque music from the 17th and 18th centuries, transforming the church nave into a space for listening and reflection. This distinctive feature has characterized the Galfione festival for years, attracting not only the faithful but also lovers of early music from across the Biella area.

A community coming together

Beyond the religious services, the most anticipated moment is the final aperitif hosted in the oratory rooms: a simple, warm occasion open to everyone, where hamlet residents and visitors come together to share in the festivities. It is through these gestures that the tradition of Saint Anthony Abbot continues to thrive, preserved by the Parish of Saint Anthony Abbot and the Pastoral Unit of Occhieppo.

Why it's worth attending

• An authentic patronal feast, far from the major tourist circuits.
• A Baroque music concert in a historic church in the Elvo Valley.
• The intimate and welcoming atmosphere of a small Piedmontese village in the heart of winter.
• Free admission to all events, including the concert and the aperitif.