Saint John the Baptist Patronal Festival

The Patronal Festival of Salbertrand

Nestled in the Upper Susa Valley at the foot of the Gran Bosco Natural Park, the town of Salbertrand (Province of Turin, Piedmont) honors its patron saint, John the Baptist, every year with a festival that combines religious rites, a traditional market, and a vibrant community gathering. The event, centered around June 24th, spans several days and involves the entire village, from the Parish Church and its square to the local sports field.

The St. John's Bonfire

The most ancient heart of the festival is the St. John's bonfire, lit on the opening night at the Via Giuseppe Rey sports field. In keeping with a tradition widespread across the Alps, this great fire marks the summer solstice and the eve of the patron saint's day. Families and visitors gather around the flames to enjoy street food, beer, sandwiches, and gofri (traditional valley waffles), accompanied by DJ sets that keep the evening lively.

The Marchà d'Oc

The highlight of the event is the Marchà d'Oc, a market exhibition that celebrates the Occitan heritage of the Upper Susa Valley. Along the village streets, around forty exhibitors showcase local food products and traditional crafts in an event now in its twenty-ninth year. The name itself, in the Occitan language, reflects the cultural identity of these border villages.

Faith, Music, and the Ecomuseum

The morning is marked by the Patronal Mass in the Parish Church, featuring the distribution of the 'bread of charity' and a traveling performance by the Alta Valle di Susa Band. In the afternoon, the Music Festival takes place on the church square, featuring concerts by bands from the Upper Valley and Mompantero. Throughout the day, the sites of the Colombano Romean Ecomuseum—managed by the Alpi Cozie Protected Areas Authority—are open to the public, including the Rectory, the chapels, and the Martinet hydraulic mill, with guided tours focused on the area's historical and hydraulic heritage.

An Event for the Whole Family

Alongside the main events, the festival offers a play area with wooden games scattered throughout the village, workshops, and activities for children, making it a celebration for all ages. It is a small but significant event that captures the soul of Salbertrand and its entire alpine community.