Saint Mary Magdalene Festival - Prato San Pietro

The Magdalene Festival in Valsassina

In the hamlet of Prato San Pietro, part of the municipality of Cortenova in Valsassina (province of Lecco), the Festival of Saint Mary Magdalene is the most cherished patronal feast of the community. Celebrated in honor of the patron saint around July 22nd, it has a long history: according to tradition, it has been celebrated every year since 1965, whereas previously it was only held when July 22nd fell on a Sunday.

Faith and Community

The heart of the festival is its religious dimension, with masses and the concluding spiritual moment at the small chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene in Taecc, reachable also thanks to a jeep shuttle service. Around the celebrations, a calendar unfolds that combines singing, dancing, and conviviality, with the opportunity to taste the typical dishes of the Valsassina tradition.

Sport and Tradition

The festival also has a sporting soul. In recent editions, the program opened with the Valsassina Bike Cup, a mountain bike race on a circuit of about 8 kilometers, followed by a running race open to everyone, with different distances for adults and children. Outdoor sports, immersed in the mountain landscapes of Valsassina, give the festival a dynamic and engaging character.

A Hamlet Festival

Organized by the Associazione Santa Maria Maddalena di Cortenova, the festival is an example of the vitality of Lombard mountain hamlets, capable of keeping their patronal traditions alive. For Prato San Pietro, it is the annual occasion to come together, welcome visitors, and renew the bond with its own identity.