Saint George Festival

Saint George, the soul of Moncenisio

Just a stone's throw from the French border and the historic Moncenisio pass, the village of Moncenisio is the smallest municipality in Piedmont: a few dozen inhabitants perched in the Cenischia Valley, a side valley of the Susa Valley in the Metropolitan City of Turin. It is here that every year, around April 23rd, the community gathers to honor Saint George the Martyr, the village's patron saint, to whom the charming parish church—dating back to the 17th century—is dedicated.

The Saint George Festival is not a large tourist event; it is an authentic alpine patronal feast where faith, popular traditions, and a sense of community merge. In a village that was called Ferrera Cenisio until 1940, this celebration represents the thread that keeps alive the memory of a place marked by centuries of history, from ancient iron mines to the era of inns along the mountain pass routes.

A day of rituals and conviviality

The celebration revolves around Holy Mass in the Church of Saint George on Via Trieste, a treasure chest of valuable works from the Savoyard-Piedmontese school. The religious service is followed by the traditional procession: the patron saint's statue is carried through the village streets, accompanied by a parade in traditional costumes and the notes of the Novalesa Musical Corps.

The final moment is the one most cherished by the community: the convivium, featuring a tasting of bread, alpine focaccia, and traditional pastries baked in the communal oven, along with a toast in honor of Saint George. It is an opportunity for the residents of Moncenisio—and for visitors who make the journey up here—to gather, share, and rediscover the flavors of the mountains.

Why it's worth the trip

• Experience an authentic patronal feast in one of Italy's smallest and most picturesque villages.
• Discover the Church of Saint George and its 17th-century artistic heritage.
• Admire the famous monumental ash tree of Moncenisio, over a century old and recognized as a monumental tree by the Piedmont Region.
• Savor baked specialties and traditional alpine pastries from the Cenischia Valley.
• Explore a mountain pass territory, amidst pristine nature, history, and high-altitude landscapes just a step away from France.

The Saint George Festival is organized by the Culture Office of the Municipality of Moncenisio. Admission is free, and the invitation is extended to all citizens and visitors.