Saint Gaudenzio Festival

The Festival of Saint Gaudenzio

The Festival (or Fair) of Saint Gaudenzio is the patronal festival of Ostiano, a village in the province of Cremona on the banks of the Oglio river. With over five hundred editions behind it, it is one of the oldest and most deeply rooted events in the Cremona area: a centuries-old fair that every year, on the last Sunday of October and the following Monday, attracts visitors from all over the region.

Between Faith and Tradition

The festival originates from the meeting between the civil and religious communities and still retains its most important ritual moments today: the musical procession with the town band and the solemn procession in honor of the patron saint, with the traditional candle ceremony at the church of San Michele. These are rites that testify to the town's deep connection with its history and the calendar of anniversaries.

Stalls, Funfair, and Fireworks

During the festival days, the historic center of Ostiano is filled with stalls, food stands, and funfair attractions. There are also art and cultural exhibitions, displays, and entertainment for families, young people, and children. The highlight is the fireworks display in the area of the Gonzaga Castle, an ancient residence that dominates the village and tells of its noble past.

The Flavors of the Festival

The gastronomic tradition is an integral part of the festival: on Saturday evening, the star is the spit-roasted meat with polenta, a symbolic dish of traditional Lombard peasant cuisine, accompanied by local products. A festival that, in the heart of the province of Cremona, has been intertwining devotion, community, and good food for centuries.