Saint Brigid Festival

A centuries-old festival on the Piasco hill

The Saint Brigid Festival is one of the most cherished events in the calendar of Piasco, a town in the lower Varaita Valley in the province of Cuneo, in the heart of Piedmont. Every year in mid-May, the community gathers around the small chapel that stands isolated on the hill east of the town, at an altitude of about 629 meters, offering sweeping views of the Po Valley and the entrance to the valley.

The Chapel of Saint Brigid

The chapel, dedicated to Saint Brigid of Ireland, has medieval origins: its foundations date back to the 12th and 13th centuries, when it is believed to have been built by Benedictine monks. The building, with a single nave and a side chapel, retains traces of Romanesque style and houses precious 15th-century frescoes depicting Saint Brigid alongside Saint Bernard of Menthon, Saint Catherine, Saint Anthony the Abbot, and Saint Barbara. Expanded in 1727 with the construction of the front portico, the chapel is also linked to the memory of the Resistance: during the war, its secluded and panoramic position made it a landmark for partisans, so much so that a local unit took its name.

Five days of tradition and devotion

The festivities span five days. The first evenings are dedicated to prayer, with the Holy Rosary recited at the chapel at 8:30 PM. The heart of the festival is Sunday, with the procession, the sung mass accompanied by the marching band, and moments of popular celebration. In the following days, the mass for benefactors is held, and the evenings continue with music and conviviality.

Flavors of the Varaita Valley

Gastronomy is a highlight of the festival. The community lunch features Varaita Valley ravioles—the typical potato and tome cheese gnocchi of the valley—accompanied by appetizers and desserts. The evenings offer traditional local dishes, while orchestras and musical groups liven up the dancing under the covered structure set up for the occasion.

A community festival

Organized by the Pro Loco of Piasco with the support of volunteers, local farmers, and community groups, the Saint Brigid Festival is much more than a religious event: it is a gathering that strengthens community ties and promotes a symbolic landmark of the Piedmontese territory. Part of the related initiatives, such as theatrical performances in the Piedmontese dialect, contributes to the preservation and enhancement of the chapel.