Saint James Patronal Festival

The Balangero Patronal Festival

The Saint James Patronal Festival is the most anticipated summer event in Balangero, a small town in the Canavese area near Turin, nestled at the foot of the Valli di Lanzo mountains. Every year in late July, the community gathers to honor Saint James the Apostle, the town's patron saint, whose liturgical feast falls on July 25th. The festival takes place primarily in the Municipal Park and at the "Ing. Stabio" Pavilion, the beating heart of a week full of events.

Between Faith and Tradition

The most solemn moment of the festival is the Holy Mass celebrated on July 25th in the parish church of Saint James, followed by the traditional procession through the town streets, accompanied by the local marching band. Alongside the religious dimension, the festival preserves the authentic flavor of Piedmontese village fairs, with the distribution of blessed bread and moments of reflection at the chapel of Saint Anne.

Gastronomy and Conviviality

The heart of the festival is the food stand managed by local associations, offering traditional dishes from the Canavese and Piedmont regions. There is no shortage of themed dinners, the famous Merenda Sinoira (traditional afternoon snack-dinner), polenta prepared by volunteers, and convivial evenings that bring young and old together under the pavilion.

Music, Entertainment, and Fun

The festival evenings feature live music, ballroom dancing, DJ sets, comedy shows, and cabaret, as well as art exhibitions hosted in the Council Hall. For children, games, competitions, and outdoor activities are organized in the meadows of Saint Anne, while tournaments and sports initiatives involve the entire community.

An Event for the Entire Canavese

Promoted by the Municipality of Balangero in collaboration with local associations and volunteers, the Saint James Patronal Festival is an opportunity to rediscover the identity of a Piedmontese village and its warm hospitality. A genuine village festival where devotion to the patron saint intertwines with the desire to be together, typical of the communities in the Valli di Lanzo.