Saint John the Baptist Patronal Festival

The Patronal Festival of Sauze d'Oulx

The Saint John the Baptist Patronal Festival is the most important celebration in the calendar of Sauze d'Oulx, a renowned ski resort in the Metropolitan City of Turin, located in the upper Susa Valley. Situated at an altitude of over 1,500 meters in the Via Lattea ski area, the town dedicates several days in late June to honoring its patron saint, whose liturgical feast falls on June 24th.

Between the sacred and the profane

The festival bridges religious observance and popular tradition. The highlight is the procession and solemn Holy Mass at the Parish Church of Saint John the Baptist, located in the heart of the village. Surrounding this devotional core are dance evenings with live orchestras, DJ sets, aperitifs, and social gatherings designed for both residents and tourists.

The bonfire and fireworks

The symbol of the festival is the traditional Saint John's bonfire, lit in the Cramayons area, accompanied by a pyrotechnic display that illuminates the mountain sky. Around the fire, gofri (typical Piedmontese waffles), wine, and drinks are served, while the evening continues with the characteristic serenades through the village streets, a custom that renews the community spirit of Sauze d'Oulx.

A community celebration

The organization is a collaboration between the Municipality of Sauze d'Oulx, the Fortur Tourist Consortium, and the youth committee known as the SanGiovannini, who bring the festivities to life each year. The festival is an opportunity to discover the alpine identity of this corner of Piedmont, amidst Occitan traditions, mountain gastronomy, and the panoramic peaks of the Via Lattea.

• Traditional bonfire and fireworks in the Cramayons area
• Procession and Holy Mass on June 24th
• Dance evenings, DJ sets, and serenades
• Tasting of gofri, wine, and local products