San Lorenzo Patronal Feast
Alba's patron saint celebration, blending faith, tradition, and the magical Night of the Stars.
About San Lorenzo Alba
San Lorenzo, the patron saint of Alba
On August 10th, the day the Christian tradition commemorates the martyrdom of San Lorenzo, the city of Alba pauses to honor its patron saint. The San Lorenzo Patronal Feast is one of the most cherished events of the Alba summer: a day that unites the religious dimension, deeply rooted in the community, with the civic and festive spirit typical of Piedmontese towns. The San Lorenzo Cathedral, which houses the saint's relic, is the heart of the celebration, while the squares and streets of the historic center transform into an open-air stage.
Between faith and tradition
The day begins in the afternoon with Vespers sung by the Chapter Canons and continues with the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration in the Cathedral, the most significant moment of the feast. Alongside the religious rite, popular tradition comes alive in the parade of the Borgo di San Lorenzo Flag-wavers and Musicians Group, accompanied by the Alba City Flag-wavers and the Historical Pageant: starting from Piazza Michele Ferrero, the performers cross the city center to reach Piazza Risorgimento, where they perform in honor of the Patron Saint.
The Night of the Stars
As evening falls, the festival changes its face to become "The Night of the Stars", an event promoted by the Department of Culture, Tourism, and Events of the Municipality of Alba together with the Borgo di San Lorenzo. It is no coincidence: August 10th is also the night of the shooting stars, and Piazza Risorgimento comes alive with live music, DJ sets, food trucks, and scenic projections evoking a meteor shower. Not to be missed are the "Wine Nights", a tasting trail along Via Cavour that showcases the wineries of Alba and the Moscato territories, a tribute to the oenological vocation of the Langhe.
Alba tells its story
The festival is also an opportunity to discover the city's heritage: museums remain open, you can climb the Cathedral bell tower to admire Alba from above, and visit Alba Sotterranea, the archaeological route through the remains of the Roman city. Experiencing the San Lorenzo Feast means immersing yourself in the most authentic identity of the town of Alba and the province of Cuneo, where tradition, wine culture, and conviviality merge into a single evening.
San Lorenzo Alba — edition 2026
The 2026 San Lorenzo Patronal Feast will be held as per tradition on Monday, August 10, 2026, the feast day of Alba's patron saint. The date is fixed as it coincides with the liturgical commemoration of San Lorenzo.
The detailed program for the 2026 edition, including times, artists for the Night of the Stars, and booking procedures for guided tours, will be published by the Municipality of Alba and the Borgo di San Lorenzo in the weeks leading up to the event, approximately at the end of July. In line with recent editions, Vespers and the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration in the Cathedral, the parade of the Borgo di San Lorenzo Flag-wavers and Musicians with the Historical Pageant, the "Wine Nights" along Via Cavour, and evening shows in Piazza Risorgimento are expected.
Programme San Lorenzo Alba 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 San Lorenzo Patronal Feast will be announced by the Municipality of Alba around the end of July 2026, closer to the event.
Based on recent editions, the usual structure of the day includes:
- In the late afternoon, the Canons' Vespers and the Solemn Eucharistic Celebration in honor of San Lorenzo in the Cathedral;
- In the evening, the departure of the Borgo di San Lorenzo Flag-wavers and Musicians parade from Piazza Michele Ferrero, with arrival and performance in Piazza Risorgimento;
- "The Night of the Stars" with live music, DJ sets, food trucks, and the "Wine Nights," the tasting trail on Via Cavour;
- Evening opening of museums, the Cathedral, and access to the bell tower, as well as visits to Alba Sotterranea (by reservation).
Highlights San Lorenzo Alba 2026
- Solemn Celebration in honor of San Lorenzo in the Cathedral
- Parade of the Borgo Flag-wavers and Musicians with the Historical Pageant
- "The Night of the Stars" in Piazza Risorgimento with shooting stars
- The "Wine Nights" along Via Cavour
Prices San Lorenzo Alba 2026
Practical information — San Lorenzo Alba
When
Every year on August 10th, the feast day of San Lorenzo, patron saint of Alba.
Where
Historic center of Alba (CN): San Lorenzo Cathedral, Piazza Risorgimento, Piazza Michele Ferrero, Via Cavour, and surrounding streets.
How to get there
By car: A33 Asti-Cuneo motorway, Alba exit. By train: Alba station, connected to Turin and Asti. The festival takes place in the historic center, which is largely pedestrianized.
Costs
Most events are free to attend. Some guided tours (bell tower, Alba Sotterranea, museums) require booking.
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Where does it take place — San Lorenzo Alba
Centro storico di Alba