San Savino Festival – Patronal Feast and Horse Fair

San Savino, the patron saint of Ivrea

The San Savino Festival is the patronal celebration of the city of Ivrea, in the Province of Turin, in the heart of the Piedmontese Canavese. San Savino, Bishop of Spoleto who lived between the 3rd and 4th centuries and was martyred in 303 AD, has been linked to Ivrea since 956, the year when — according to tradition — his relics arrived in the city and a plague ceased. The religious feast falls on July 7th, and a four-day program combining the sacred and the profane develops around this date.

The Horse Fair

The bond between Ivrea and horses is rooted in the very name of the city: Eporedia, which in ancient times indicated a 'horse-changing station' along the Alpine routes. It is therefore no surprise that the heart of the festival is the Horse Fair, one of the most important in Italy, now specialized in elegant breeds such as the Gelderland and Friesians. The horse fair is held on Sunday and is accompanied by a large market fair, the 'Parata delle Briglie' (Bridle Parade) with a marching band, and a grand evening equestrian gala.

Four days of tradition and entertainment

In addition to the equestrian component, the event offers religious celebrations with a procession and a Solemn Holy Mass presided over by the Bishop, the folkloric parade 'San Savino in marcia', the vintage carriage parade, and numerous urban art performances that enliven the streets and squares. Each evening concludes with the food village; the festival ends with the spectacular Cavalcata di Fuoco and the final fireworks display.

• Nationally renowned Horse Fair
• Grand equestrian gala and Bridle Parade
• Vintage carriage parade and folkloric parade
• Procession and Holy Mass for the patron saint
• Cavalcata di Fuoco and fireworks
• Funfair in Piazza del Mercato and food village

An event for all of Ivrea

Organized by the Eporedia 2004 Association with the Municipality of Ivrea and the Diocese, the San Savino Festival is much more than a religious anniversary: it is the moment when the community of Ivrea comes together, amidst music, brass bands in the square, gastronomy, and an equestrian tradition that makes it unique throughout Piedmont.