San Pietro Patronal Festival

A tradition that makes Gaglianico's heart beat

Every summer, just outside Biella, the small town of Gaglianico transforms to celebrate its patron saint with the San Pietro Patronal Festival. For over a week, Piazza della Repubblica and the grounds of the Carlo Felice Trossi elementary school become the beating heart of the village, where generations of locals and visitors from across the Biella area and Piedmont meet.

A festival born from volunteer work

The organization is entirely handled by the San Pietro Committee, a group of local volunteers who meet weekly starting in January to prepare the event: defining menus, choosing entertainment, and assigning tasks. Established in the 1980s, the festival reached its 39th edition in 2025 and remains one of the most heartfelt and well-attended local traditions. A portion of the proceeds is traditionally donated to local charitable causes.

Gastronomy and conviviality

The heart of the festival is undoubtedly the kitchen. Every evening, the food stand offers traditional Piedmontese and Biellese specialties: gnocco fritto, panissa, grilled meats, appetizers, pasta dishes, and sides, as well as the unmissable evenings dedicated to fish, featuring fried seafood and swordfish. A bar, beer station, and cocktail bar are also available to accompany the long summer evenings in good company.

Music and dancing every night

Each evening is marked by live entertainment: ballroom orchestras, tribute bands, DJs, and shows that liven up the dance floor set up in the school's amphitheater. Ballroom dancing and group dances are the stars of the show, creating a festive, popular atmosphere that attracts audiences of all ages.

Faith, sport, and community

Alongside the culinary and musical program, the festival maintains its religious and community dimension: during the central days, the San Pietro Walk—a fun, non-competitive event open to everyone—and the traditional relay race take place, while the final Sunday is dedicated to the Solemn Holy Mass in honor of the patron saint, followed by a community lunch. A balance between the sacred and the secular that makes the San Pietro Festival an authentic portrait of village life in the Biella area.

Why attend

• One of the most popular patronal festivals in the Biella area (Piedmont)
• Free admission and family-friendly atmosphere
• Traditional Piedmontese cuisine at affordable prices
• Live music, ballroom dancing, and group dances every night
• Sports, religious, and community events for all ages