Saint Anthony Abbot Patronal Feast

The patronal feast of Castelletto sopra Ticino

Saint Anthony Abbot is the patron saint of Castelletto sopra Ticino, a town in the Province of Novara overlooking Lake Maggiore in Piedmont. Every year, around the January 17th anniversary, the town celebrates its patronal feast with a packed calendar of events that bridge religious, civic, and popular traditions. It is a powerful moment of community identity, organized jointly by the municipal administration, the Pro Loco, and the local Christian community, involving neighborhoods, groups, and local associations.

A tradition blending the sacred and the popular

The Saint Anthony Abbot Feast has deep roots in rural devotion: the saint has always been the protector of domestic animals and livestock, which is why the celebration preserves ancient rites like the blessing of the bells and, in years when it is held, the blessing of animals in the square. In Castelletto, this legacy merges with community life, filling the streets of the center and gathering people around the church dedicated to the patron saint.

Key moments of the day

• The Saint Anthony Relay: a symbolic race crossing the town, from the Cicognola area to the heart of Castelletto in Piazza Fratelli Cervi.
• The official reception in front of the Town Hall, with the Mayor's greeting and the start of the parade of neighborhoods and associations toward the church.
• The solemn mass, accompanied by parish choirs, featuring the vesting of the 'fratini' and the blessing of the bells.
• The procession with the statue of the patron saint and the 'fratini' through the historic center.
• The Saint Anthony bonfire in the square, with the evocative ritual of offering wishes around the flames.
• The Patron Saint's aperitif, hosted by the Pro Loco to close the day.

An event for the whole community

The Saint Anthony Abbot Feast is not just a religious rite, but an occasion for all of Castelletto sopra Ticino to come together. The evening bonfire, in particular, is the most anticipated moment: the fire lighting up the square on cold January nights is a symbol of a tradition that endures and renews itself year after year, attracting residents and visitors from neighboring towns on Lake Maggiore and the Novara area.