San Bernardo Festival at Monte Fenera

A festival in the heart of Monte Fenera

The San Bernardo Festival at Monte Fenera is one of the most cherished events for the community of Valduggia, in the Province of Vercelli, in the lower Piedmontese Valsesia. It takes place at Colma, the sunny village nestled on a shoulder of Monte Fenera, from which the view sweeps over the Valsesia and parts of the Novara area. It is a mountain festival in the truest sense of the word: few frills, plenty of conviviality, and a strong sense of belonging to the territory.

The church of San Bernardo

The heart of the festival is the small church of San Bernardo, built shortly after 1700 and dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, Saint Bernard, and Saint Gratus. Built during the time of Father Rasario, it preserves the memory of an ancient devotion linked to the protection of the mountain and those who live and traverse it. From the top of the ridge, on clear days, you can count dozens of bell towers scattered among the parishes of the lower Valsesia: a panorama that alone makes the climb worthwhile.

Monte Fenera, between nature and prehistory

The festival is inseparable from its setting. Monte Fenera (899 meters) is the main sedimentary peak of the Valsesia and has been protected by the Monte Fenera Natural Park since 1987, an area covering over 3,300 hectares across the territories of Valduggia, Boca, Borgomanero, Cavallirio, Grignasco, and Prato Sesia. The mountain is famous for its karst phenomena and its prehistoric caves—including the Ciota Ciara—which have yielded remains of cave bears and traces of Neanderthal human presence. Participating in the festival also means immersing yourself in an environment of great naturalistic and historical value.

The day's program

The festival follows a well-established ritual. In the morning, Holy Mass is celebrated in the church of San Bernardo; this is followed by the catering service, with the opportunity to have lunch on-site with simple traditional dishes. It is the most anticipated moment, when families, hikers, and groups of friends who have climbed up to the Colma gather around the tables. Booking is recommended to ensure the best possible hospitality.

A tradition to cherish

Promoted by the ACLI Circle and the Consorzio Terrieri, the San Bernardo Festival at Monte Fenera is much more than just a lunch at altitude: it is a way to keep the bond with Monte Fenera alive, along with a small community that, year after year, takes care of its church and its trails. For those who love the most authentic Piedmontese mountains, it is the perfect opportunity to discover a corner of the Valsesia far from the most beaten tourist paths.