Saint Valentine the Martyr Festival

A festival spanning four centuries of history

The Saint Valentine the Martyr Festival is the heart of the celebrations for the Traditional Militia of Calasca, one of the oldest historical and folkloric groups in Italy. It takes place annually in Calasca-Castiglione, a small town in the Anzasca Valley in the Province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola, at the foot of Monte Rosa, primarily in the hamlet of Antrogna. Saint Valentine the Martyr is the patron protector of the Militia: his relics arrived in Calasca in 1805, and the bond between the saint and the soldiers has remained unbroken ever since.

The origins: the Militia of the Lands

The roots of this tradition date back to the first half of the 17th century, when the Ossola region was under Spanish rule. The so-called Militia of the Lands was established by the governor of Milan, Juan de Mendoza y Velasco, for the defense of the territory. The founding of the Traditional Militia of Calasca is traced back to 1641, when veterans gathered to inaugurate the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Gurva on August 15th. Since then, the Militia has continued to escort religious processions and honor the most sacred local festivities with its volleys.

What to expect during the festival

The day of Saint Valentine showcases all the charm of the Calasca military tradition. The soldiers, organized into columns according to historical ranks—colonel, captain, lieutenant, ensign, and infantry units with sappers—parade in uniform, with officers distinguished by their sashes. The program alternates moments of intense spirituality with more spectacular displays:

• Religious services and Solemn Mass in honor of the patron saint
• Drills and reviews of the Militia in formation
• Parades through the streets and hamlets of the town
• Blank-fire volleys, the highlight that makes the valley echo
• Accompaniment by a brass band (in past years, the Baceno Brass Band)

Part of a cycle of mid-August festivals

The Saint Valentine the Martyr Festival opens the cycle of three Sundays around Ferragosto that bring Calasca to life: after the Militia's patron, the Madonna Assunta is celebrated on August 15th at the Sanctuary of the Gurva, followed the next Sunday by the popular rite of Lugà la Madona. A precious opportunity to discover the authenticity of the Anzasca Valley and a living tradition, passed down from generation to generation in the small town of Calasca-Castiglione, in Piedmont.