Saint Mark's Festival

A village festival in the heart of the Prato Sesia countryside

The Saint Mark's Festival is one of the most cherished traditions for the community of Prato Sesia, a small town in the Province of Novara, Piedmont, located in the picturesque area leading toward the Valsesia valley. The heart of the event is the Saint Mark's Chapel, a place of devotion set among the fields surrounding the village, where residents gather every year for a day dedicated to faith, food, and friendship.

Between the sacred and the convivial

The festival stems from the popular tradition of honoring Saint Mark with a celebration that intertwines spiritual moments with community life. The day opens with Holy Mass celebrated at the chapel, followed by an outdoor lunch, the true highlight of the event. It is an opportunity for families and friends to come together in a relaxed, rural setting, far from the daily hustle and bustle.

The convivial lunch

The lunch is one of the most anticipated moments: a rich and carefully prepared menu that showcases local flavors. Offerings include specialties such as toasted bread with gorgonzola, honey, and walnuts, toma cheese with cherry mustard, cold cuts, a pasta dish, grilled meats with sides, and dessert, all accompanied by water and wine. A vegetarian option is available upon reservation, reflecting the organizers' attention to all participants.

An afternoon for all ages

After lunch, the afternoon is dedicated to fun and games, designed to engage both children and adults in a festive atmosphere. The collaboration with the Parents' Committee makes the event particularly suitable for families, who find here a moment of genuine, shared leisure.

Organization

The Saint Mark's Festival is organized by the Pro Loco of Prato Sesia, which has always been committed to keeping local traditions alive and promoting opportunities for social gathering. The event traditionally takes place on April 25th, and in case of bad weather, it is still guaranteed thanks to the indoor spaces set up at the chapel.

An authentic Piedmontese experience

Participating in the Saint Mark's Festival means experiencing an authentic fragment of Piedmontese village life: an unpretentious event where local cuisine, spirituality, and community warmth blend into a day that stays in the memories of those who experience it. An ideal appointment for those seeking the most genuine and welcoming traditions of Upper Piedmont.