San Romedio Festival and the Night Walk

A traditional festival in the heart of Val di Non

The San Romedio Festival and the Night Walk is one of the most heartfelt religious and popular events in Trentino-Alto Adige. Every year, on January 14th and 15th, the Val di Non community gathers around the figure of San Romedio, the hermit venerated as the valley's patron saint, at the famous San Romedio cliffside Sanctuary, carved into the rock in the Municipality of Predaia, in the Province of Trento.

San Romedio, the hermit and the legend of the bear

San Romedio is a prime example of the eremitic movement that spread across Europe at the turn of the millennium. According to tradition, he was a member of the Bavarian-Tyrolean nobility who renounced his wealth to live a monastic life in a cave in Val di Non. Two legends define his figure: that of the wild bear that became docile under the saint's command, allowing him to reach Trento riding on its back, and that of the sanctuary bells which, upon his death, rang on their own to alert Bishop Vigilius.

The Night Walk on January 14th

The most evocative moment is the Night Walk, now in its tenth year. On the evening of January 14th, with a meeting point around 7:30 PM in the square of the Basilica of the Holy Martyrs of Sanzeno, hundreds of people set off in a procession to walk the three kilometers leading up to the hermitage. The path, illuminated only by torches and accompanied by the sound of the Rio San Romedio, winds through the canyon until the expected arrival around 9:30 PM. Pilgrims are welcomed with a moment of spiritual reflection and a traditional stop for hot tea and mulled wine. The event is open to everyone and no booking is required.

January 15th: Masses and the pilgrim's dish

The day of the solemnity of San Romedio features three Eucharistic celebrations, at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 4:00 PM. The 11:00 AM Solemn Mass is traditionally presided over by the Archbishop of Trento, with the participation of the Val di Non parish choir. Until 3:00 PM, the typical pilgrim's dish of tripe is served, prepared by local chefs and offered using eco-friendly materials by volunteers, alongside traditional barley soup.

A heritage of traditions

The San Romedio Festival is considered one of the last true popular festivals linked to the patron saint of an entire valley. Pilgrims from neighboring villages — Tavon, Sanzeno, Coredo, and other hamlets of the municipality of Predaia — keep a centuries-old devotion alive in a sanctuary that remains one of the most visited and beloved sites in all of Trentino.