San Bastian Festival

A popular tradition in the heart of Val di Non

The San Bastian Festival is one of the most characteristic winter events in the Municipality of Ton, in the province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige). Every year, on January 20th, the tiny hamlet of Masi di Vigo transforms into a convivial gathering spot that attracts visitors from across the Val di Non and beyond. The celebration revolves around the figure of Saint Sebastian, the patron saint to whom the village's small church is dedicated.

From Mass to the festival in the porticoes

The day begins with Holy Mass in the Church of San Sebastiano. After the service, starting in the early afternoon, the festivities move under the porticoes and into the charming historic cellars, the traditional 'vouti' of the village. Here, residents and volunteers welcome visitors with free tastings of local Trentino peasant cuisine.

The flavors of tradition

Among the dishes offered, highlights include local cheeses ('groste de formai'), cotechino sausage, tripe, wurstel, and strauben, all accompanied by steaming mulled wine and the sounds of accordions. The atmosphere is that of a typical mountain village festival: simple, warm, and deeply rooted in the community.

• Typical Val di Non cheeses
• Cotechino, tripe, and wurstel
• Strauben (traditional fritters)
• Mulled wine and live music

History: from 1986 to today

The festival was born in 1986 almost as a game, and over the years it has solidified as a fixed appointment on the Val di Non calendar. Thanks to the efforts of the USAM Baitona association, which finances the entire event through a lottery, all tastings are completely free. In the evening, the festivities continue at the association's headquarters.

The 'Saints of the Cold' trilogy

San Bastian closes the so-called 'Saints of the Cold' trilogy, the three winter celebrations in the area dedicated to Saint Romedius, Saint Anthony the Great, and Saint Sebastian. A cycle of festivals that marks the heart of the Val di Non winter and renews its popular traditions. It is not uncommon for a group of Schützen in traditional attire to participate in the festival, as Saint Sebastian is their patron saint.