San Lorenzo Festival at Alpe Seccio

A mountain festival in the heart of Valsesia

The San Lorenzo Festival at Alpe Seccio is one of the most cherished summer events in Boccioleto, a small village in the upper Valsesia valley, located in the province of Vercelli, in northeastern Piedmont. Every year, in early August, the community climbs to the Seccio mountain pasture, nestled at an altitude of approximately 1,388 meters, to celebrate the patron saint of the ancient oratory that overlooks the meadows and mountain huts.

The Oratory of San Lorenzo, a late-Gothic jewel

The heart of the festival is the Oratory of San Lorenzo, a 15th-century building whose blessing, according to an inscription in the nave, dates back to April 25, 1446. Tradition holds that it is the first oratory ever built in Valsesia. Both inside and out, it preserves an exceptional cycle of Lombard-style frescoes: a famous Wheel of Fortune and a Saint Christopher on the exterior wall, the Annunciation on the triumphal arch, and a Christ Pantocrator in the apse basin, accompanied by scenes from the life of Saint Lawrence and numerous figures of saints on the side walls. It is a surprising artistic heritage for such a small and remote settlement, making the alp a beloved destination for hikers and art history enthusiasts alike.

Tradition, faith, and conviviality

The festival maintains the simple and authentic rhythm of alpine traditions. The central moment is the Holy Mass celebrated in front of or inside the oratory, followed by the auction of offerings—an ancient custom used by the community to support the maintenance of the chapel—and the convivial lunch served under the marquee set up by the Consorzio Terrieri Alpe Seccio, which organizes the event. It is a wonderful opportunity for locals, vacationers, and hikers to come together in a genuine, family-friendly atmosphere.

Summer in Boccioleto

The San Lorenzo Festival is part of the rich Summer in Boccioleto calendar, a series of events that brings the village and its hamlets to life throughout the season with traditional competitions, evening gatherings, religious celebrations, and culinary appointments. The festival at Alpe Seccio represents one of its most characteristic moments, perfectly blending spiritual devotion with mountain hiking.

An authentic high-altitude experience

Participating means, first and foremost, walking: the alp is accessible exclusively on foot, via a climb of about two hours from Boccioleto along the mule track that passes through Ronchi, Oromezzano, and Solivo. The effort is rewarded by the sweeping views of the Valsesia mountains, the intimate atmosphere of the oratory, and the warmth of a festival that has remained unchanged over time, serving as a living expression of the alpine culture of the Municipality of Boccioleto.