San Crescentino Patronal Festival

The patron saint festival of Crescentino

The San Crescentino Patronal Festival is the most anticipated event of the year for the town of Crescentino, in the Province of Vercelli, Piedmont. Dedicated to the town's patron saint, the festival transforms the historic center into a vibrant meeting place where religious tradition, medieval re-enactments, gastronomy, and live music blend for nearly a week of free-entry festivities.

A dive into the Middle Ages: the Historical Pageant

The heart of the event is the San Crescentino Historical Pageant, which kicks off the festivities at dusk. Performers in period costumes parade through the streets of the center accompanied by flag-wavers and musicians: notable guest groups include the Flag-wavers and Musicians of Moncalvo, the performers from the Palio degli Asini of Serravalle Sesia, and the Musicians of the Contado dei Castellamonte. The parade also features iconic local figures, such as the Queen, Count Tizzoni, and his court, commemorating the history of the village, founded in 1242 by the municipality of Vercelli and passed under the lordship of the Tizzoni counts in 1310. The procession culminates in Piazza Garibaldi with a flag-waving performance and the lighting of the bonfire.

The San Crescentino Fair and street food

The commercial and popular hub of the festival is the San Crescentino Fair, which enlivens Corso Roma with market stalls, hobbyists, and local shops spilling out onto the street. Throughout the event, street food options cater to visitors and families, while entertainment for children makes the festival suitable for all ages. A funfair completes the entertainment offerings for both adults and children.

Music and concerts in the square

The evenings of the Patronal Festival are marked by free concerts and DJ sets in Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Caretto. Over the years, the Crescentino stage has hosted renowned artists from the Italian music scene, confirming the festival's commitment to combining tradition with high-quality popular entertainment.

Religious tradition and conviviality

The spiritual dimension of the festival is renewed with a solemn religious celebration at the Parish Church of the Assumption and a procession through the streets of the center. The festival concludes in a spirit of conviviality with the Tavolata Crescentinese, a long public banquet where guests can enjoy local specialties, most notably the famous gnocco fritto, followed by a dance evening to wrap up the celebrations.

Why attend

• One of the most meticulously organized historical pageants in the upper Vercelli area
• Free concerts and DJ sets in the heart of the historic center
• The San Crescentino Fair and street food for every taste
• The Tavolata Crescentinese featuring typical Piedmontese specialties
• Children's entertainment and a funfair for families