San Rocco Patronal Festival

The Grugliasco Patronal Festival

The San Rocco Patronal Festival is the most cherished identity-defining event in Grugliasco, a town on the western outskirts of Turin, in Piedmont. For about two weeks, between late January and early February, the town center transforms into a vibrant celebration that combines devotion, folk traditions, games, and conviviality. The event is promoted by the Società Le Serre on behalf of the Municipality of Grugliasco, in collaboration with the Pro Loco Grugliasco A.P.S. and the Cojtà Gruliascheisa.

San Rocco, patron saint against the plague

The choice of San Rocco as patron saint dates back to 1598, when the Grugliasco community, struck by a severe plague epidemic, entrusted itself to the saint through prayers and novenas and was spared from the contagion. San Rocco, invoked since the Middle Ages as the protector of plague victims and pilgrims, thus became the town's spiritual reference point. Even today, the religious aspect remains central: the San Rocco Chapel and the San Cassiano parish are the destinations for the procession and the solemn mass with the blessing of the bread.

Fair, games, and market

The secular heart of the festival is the large fair in the town center, which winds through Piazza Marconi and Piazza Matteotti Alta. Alongside the stalls, there is a craft market, stands from local associations, and the Traditional Games, designed to involve both adults and children and pass on the pastimes of yesteryear. The highlight is the opening Sunday, when from 10 am to 6 pm the streets fill with visitors from all over the metropolitan area.

The parade and historical pageant

Among the most spectacular moments is the 11 am parade, enlivened by the City of Grugliasco Flag-wavers and Musicians Association, the Marching Band and Majorettes, and the "Milizia Paesana" historical group. The procession starts from the Le Serre Cultural Park and reaches the San Rocco Chapel, offering a stunning display of costumes, flags, and music that recalls the medieval and folk roots of the community.

Gru d'Oro and Cena del Viandante

The festival is also an occasion for civic recognition: the "La Nave" pavilion hosts the Gru d'Oro ceremony, an award dedicated to people and organizations that have distinguished themselves for the city. There is no shortage of initiatives dedicated to games, such as the "San Rocco Treasure Hunt" in Le Serre Park and board game events. The program concludes with the Cena del Viandante, organized by the Cojtà Gruliascheisa and the Borghi del Palio, a convivial moment that seals two weeks of festivities in the spirit of Piedmontese tradition.