San Rocco Festival and 'San Rocco's Best Friend' Contest
A day in Niella Tanaro dedicated to Saint Roch and our four-legged friends
About San Rocco Festival
A village festival dedicated to the patron saint of dogs and pilgrims
Every August 16th, the village of Niella Tanaro, in the heart of the Monregalese area near Cuneo (Piedmont), honors Saint Roch, the protector of pilgrims, the sick, and animals. The San Rocco Festival is more than just a religious observance: it is a community day that celebrates the deep bond between people and their dogs through walking, tradition, music, and faith.
The dog walk to the chapel
The heart of the festival is the walk, open to everyone and their four-legged friends. Starting in the morning from the local sports fields, participants traverse the hills and hamlets of the area along a multi-kilometer route, eventually reaching the San Rocco Chapel, where the dogs receive a blessing. It is a wonderful opportunity to discover the rural landscape of this corner of the Langhe and share a simple, authentic experience.
The 'San Rocco's Best Friend' contest
A distinctive feature of the event is the 'San Rocco's Best Friend' literary contest, dedicated to those who have a story about a special dog—a dog that has saved, helped, supported, or changed a person's life in some way. Participation is free and open to all; the most moving stories are awarded on the day of the festival. It is a way to give voice to a unique bond and remember how precious animals are as life companions.
Music, tradition, and solidarity
The afternoon and evening are filled with music and folklore, featuring Occitan dances that are part of the culture of these valleys. The day concludes with the distribution of the traditional San Rocco bread and a cultural evening in the castle park. The festival also has a strong charitable mission: it is promoted by the Associazione San Rocco N.T. ETS ODV and supports animal welfare initiatives as well as the preservation of the historic San Rocco Chapel. A day that captures the welcoming soul of Niella Tanaro and the Monregalese region.
San Rocco Festival — edition 2026
For 2026, the Associazione San Rocco N.T. ETS ODV confirms the San Rocco Festival in Niella Tanaro for Sunday, August 16th, with the return of the 'San Rocco's Best Friend' contest for those with a story about a special dog. The day will follow the proven format: a dog walk to the San Rocco Chapel, pet blessing, music and tradition, distribution of San Rocco bread, and the awards ceremony for the most moving contest entries.
The full schedule will be published by the association in the weeks preceding the festival. Contest entries can be submitted by sending your story to [email protected].
Programme San Rocco Festival 2026
The detailed schedule for the 2026 edition will be announced by the Associazione San Rocco N.T. in the weeks leading up to the festival. Based on recent editions, the day of August 16th typically follows this structure:
- Morning — Meeting at the sports fields (Via Lesegno 1) and departure of the dog walk through the hills and local hamlets.
- Midday — Arrival at the San Rocco Chapel with the blessing of the participating dogs.
- Early afternoon — Picnic lunch and awards ceremony for the 'San Rocco's Best Friend' contest.
- Afternoon — Music and Occitan dances with the group Descarpentats.
- Evening — Distribution of the traditional San Rocco bread and a cultural evening in the castle park.
Final details and times for 2026 will be communicated before the event.
Highlights San Rocco Festival 2026
- Dog walk to the San Rocco Chapel and pet blessing.
- Awards ceremony for the 'San Rocco's Best Friend' contest.
- Occitan dances and distribution of San Rocco bread.
Prices San Rocco Festival 2026
Practical information — San Rocco Festival
When
August 16th, the feast day of Saint Roch. The walk departs in the morning from the Niella Tanaro sports fields (Via Lesegno 1).
How to participate
Admission and participation are free. For the walk, please confirm your attendance by calling +39 347 8810065. To enter the 'San Rocco's Best Friend' contest, send your story and a phone number to [email protected].
How to get there
Niella Tanaro is located in the province of Cuneo, in the Monregalese area, about 30 km east of Cuneo and not far from Mondovì. It is accessible by car via the Monregalese motorway exits; arriving by car is recommended given the rural nature of the route.
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Where does it take place — San Rocco Festival
Cappella di San Rocco e centro paese
Cappella di San Rocco, 12060 Niella Tanaro