Saint George Patronal Feast and Traditional Fair

The Patronal Feast of Carpeneto

In the heart of the Alto Monferrato, in the province of Alessandria, the village of Carpeneto renews its devotion to its patron saint, Saint George the Martyr, every April. The Saint George Patronal Feast is both a religious observance and a defining event for the entire community, drawing locals, families with roots in the village, and visitors from the surrounding Ovadese area.

Between Faith and Tradition

The bond between Carpeneto and Saint George is centuries old: dating back to the rule of the Spinola family in the 14th and 15th centuries, a small church was built dedicated to the saintly knight. Today, the small church of Saint George and the parish church of Saint George the Martyr remain the focal points of the festivities: the celebration of Holy Mass on the feast day and the solemn procession through the village streets mark the most cherished moments of the patronal feast.

The Ancient Saint George Fair

Alongside the religious dimension, the feast preserves its popular spirit in the traditional Saint George Fair, which brings life and activity to the village streets every April. Stalls, exhibitors, and social gatherings make the fair a highly anticipated event, inheriting an ancient custom linked to the spring markets and fairs of the Monferrato region.

Carpeneto and the Monferrato

Mentioned as Castrum Carpani in a document from 999, Carpeneto was a fief of the Aleramici, the Marquises of Monferrato, and later of the Spinola, the Paleologi, and the Savoy families. The village is still dominated by its castle and is famous for its production of Ovadese wines, from Dolcetto to the Dolcetto di Ovada DOCG. Attending the patronal feast is also an opportunity to discover a village with a thousand-year history, defined by hills, vineyards, and ancient rural traditions.

An Event for the Whole Community

• Religious celebrations in the small church and the parish church of Saint George
• Solemn procession through the village streets
• The traditional spring fair with stalls and exhibitors
• An opportunity to discover the wines and gastronomy of the Alto Monferrato

The Saint George Patronal Feast and Traditional Fair represents one of the most authentic moments of the year for Carpeneto: an occasion where faith, historical memory, and conviviality merge into a genuine village festival deeply rooted in the territory.