Saint Lawrence Patronal Festival

Santena's Patron Saint Festival

August 10th, the feast day of Saint Lawrence, is a date observed with deep devotion in Santena. The Spanish martyr is the patron saint of this town in the Turin plains, located about 25 kilometers southeast of the Piedmontese capital, just steps from the right bank of the Po River. The Saint Lawrence Patronal Festival is the annual celebration that unites the entire citizenry around its roots, striking a perfect balance between devotion, folk tradition, and local festivities.

Between Faith and Tradition

The day traditionally begins with a solemn mass in the parish church, followed by the evocative blessing of the walnut bread, a traditional pastry associated with the feast. This is followed by a procession through the town center, accompanied by the local marching band, leading to the squares and the famous Castello Cavour, the historic home and final resting place of Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, a symbol of Santena's identity.

A Grand Evening in the Square

The festive heart of the day shifts in the evening to Piazza Martiri della Libertà, where the traditional musical event dedicated to the patron saint takes place. The 2026 edition features a concert by the Roberto Polisano Orchestra on August 10th, organized in collaboration with the Pro Loco Santena: a live music evening that attracts audiences of all ages and is part of the broader Santena summer program.

A Celebration for the Whole Community

The Saint Lawrence Patronal Festival is not just a religious occasion but a true community event: sharing the blessed bread, the collective dinner, and the music in the square make this day a staple of Santena's summer calendar. Promoted by the Municipality of Santena together with the Pro Loco, the Parish, and local associations, the festival is free to attend and represents one of the signature events of the Province of Turin, in the heart of Piedmont.

Santena, Land of Cavour and Asparagus

Experiencing the patronal festival is also the perfect opportunity to discover Santena, a town famous for its asparagus and for housing the tomb of the Count of Cavour. The Cavour complex, with its castle and park, provides a prestigious backdrop to the celebrations and tells the story of a town that played a role in the Italian Risorgimento.