San Lorenzo Festival

The patronal feast of Olbicella

Every year, around August 10th, the village of Olbicella celebrates its patron saint, San Lorenzo, with a local festival that has become one of the most beloved summer events in the Ovada region. Located in the municipality of Molare, in the province of Alessandria, the village sits in the heart of the Orba Valley—a land of rolling hills, woodlands, and streams on the border between Piedmont and Liguria. Far from the summer heat of the plains, the San Lorenzo festival brings together residents, holidaymakers, and hikers for three days of great food and music.

A community tradition

The festival stems from local devotion to San Lorenzo, to whom the village church is dedicated, but over the years it has grown into a true food and wine festival. The religious aspect remains the heart of the celebration: on Sunday, after Holy Mass, a small procession winds through the village. Everything else is organized with passion by the Pro Loco Olbicella, the association that has kept the identity of this corner of the Orba Valley alive for generations.

The flavors of the Orba Valley

The true star of the festival is the traditional cuisine of Piedmont and the Ligurian-Alessandrian hinterland. Under the village marquees, you will find famous homemade ravioli, tagliatelle, polenta, grilled meats, and roasts—including tagliata, wild boar, sausages, and pork chops—not to mention local goat cheese. The dishes are paired with wines from local producers and craft beers, followed by coffee, digestifs, grappas, and ice cream to end the evening.

Music, dancing, and fun for everyone

The evenings continue with live music and the classic dancing under the stars, which has always enlivened Piedmontese village festivals. For the little ones, there are bouncy castles, while the historic Olbicella lottery and bar service complete the atmosphere of simple, authentic celebration. It is the perfect opportunity to discover a hidden gem and experience the conviviality of the small villages in the province of Alessandria.

What to see nearby

The festival is also an excellent excuse to explore the Molare area: from the 16th-century castle to the Sanctuary of the Rocche, and from the paths along the Orba river to the swimming holes popular in summer. Immersed in the woods of the Orba Valley, Olbicella is the ideal starting point for those seeking nature, cool air, and tradition just a few kilometers from Ovada and the Apennines.