Saint Edward's Feast — Patronal Festival of Sestriere
The patronal festival of Italy's highest municipality, in the Sestriere Pass
About Saint Edward's Feast
The Patronal Festival of Sestriere Pass
Every year on October 13th, Sestriere celebrates its patron saint, Saint Edward the Confessor. We are in Italy's highest municipality, at an altitude of 2,035 meters, in the province of Turin and in the heart of the Piedmont Alps: a place where the patronal festival takes on a special meaning, as it unites the permanent residents of the Pass in a day of reflection and community, well beyond the tourist season.
Saint Edward, Patron of Sestriere
Saint Edward the Confessor, an 11th-century King of England, is the patron to whom the town's parish is dedicated—the church of Saint Edward that overlooks the famous Piazza del Colle. The choice of patron is tied to the very history of Sestriere, a town born as a modern tourist resort in the 20th century: the October 13th festival has become, over time, the defining event that brings together the small but proud Sestriere community.
A Day of Faith and Community
The heart of the day is the solemn Holy Mass celebrated in the morning at the parish of Saint Edward. Following the religious service, the most anticipated tradition takes place: the reception offered by the Municipality of Sestriere and the Pro Loco, a convivial moment that brings together residents, local officials, and guests of the Pass. The Mayor's greeting to the citizens is a staple of the day, a gesture that seals the spirit of unity of the mountain community every year.
Why it's worth attending
- Experience an authentic alpine patronal festival, far from the large mass celebrations, in Italy's highest municipality.
- Discover Sestriere in a different light than the ski season, immersed in the colors of the mountain autumn.
- Participate in a moment of tradition and conviviality shared with the local community, including a solemn Mass and a reception open to all.
The Feast of Saint Edward is a small jewel of Piedmontese popular tradition: an opportunity to get to know the most intimate and communal side of Sestriere Pass.
Saint Edward's Feast — edition 2026
L'edizione 2026 della Festa di Sant'Edoardo è confermata per martedì 13 ottobre 2026 nel calendario eventi ufficiale di Sestriere. Come da tradizione, la giornata ruoterà attorno alla Santa Messa solenne celebrata nella parrocchia di Sant'Edoardo, cuore spirituale del comune più alto d'Italia, seguita dal rinfresco offerto dal Comune di Sestriere e dalla Pro Loco e dal saluto del Sindaco alla cittadinanza. Il programma orario di dettaglio sarà comunicato dall'amministrazione comunale nelle settimane precedenti la festa.
Programme Saint Edward's Feast 2026
Il programma dettagliato dell'edizione 2026 sarà pubblicato dal Comune di Sestriere nelle settimane precedenti la festa. Sulla base delle edizioni recenti, la giornata si articola attorno a:
- Santa Messa solenne in mattinata nella parrocchia di Sant'Edoardo;
- Saluto del Sindaco alla comunità al termine della funzione;
- Rinfresco offerto dal Comune e dalla Pro Loco Sestriere nel salone parrocchiale.
Gli orari precisi verranno annunciati dall'amministrazione comunale e dalla Pro Loco in prossimità dell'evento.
Highlights Saint Edward's Feast 2026
La Santa Messa solenne nel comune più alto d'Italia e il tradizionale rinfresco offerto da Comune e Pro Loco a tutta la comunità del Colle.
Prices Saint Edward's Feast 2026
Practical information — Saint Edward's Feast
Where
Parish of Saint Edward, near Piazza Agnelli, Sestriere (TO), Italy's highest municipality at 2,035 meters above sea level.
How to get there
By car: from Turin, take the SS23 road towards Sestriere through the Chisone Valley (passing Pinerolo, Perosa Argentina, and Fenestrelle), approximately 95 km. By train: take the train to the Oulx-Cesana-Claviere-Sestriere station on the Turin-Modane line, then catch the local bus up to the Pass.
When
Every year on October 13th, the feast day of Saint Edward the Confessor. The Holy Mass is held in the morning, followed by a reception in the parish hall.
Costs
Admission is free. The reception is provided by the Municipality and the Sestriere Pro Loco.
Information
Municipality of Sestriere, tel. +39 0122 750613. Sestriere Tourism Consortium, tel. +39 0122 755444.
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Where does it take place — Saint Edward's Feast
Parrocchia di Sant'Edoardo
Piazza Agnelli 3B, 10058 Sestriere