San Vito Festival

A festival that is the heart of Nole

The San Vito Festival is the most cherished event of the year in Nole, a town in the Canavese region of the Province of Turin, Piedmont. Dedicated to Saint Vitus the Martyr, the town's co-patron, it takes place every June around the Sanctuary of San Vito Martire, the place of worship that has watched over the community for centuries. For about two weeks, the village follows a packed calendar that blends faith, culture, music, and conviviality, uniting the entire community and engaging people of all ages.

History and devotion

Devotion to Saint Vitus in Nole dates back to the 16th century, when miracles attributed to the saint occurred at the site where the sanctuary now stands, sparking a deep popular attachment to the votive pillar located along a busy road. For over 150 years, the Abbadia di San Vito—a group dedicated to maintaining the sanctuary and organizing the festivities—has been active. Since 1999, Nole has also been a member of the National Coordination of Saint Vitus Municipalities, which brings together Italian towns that venerate the saint as their patron.

What to experience during the festival

The program alternates between religious celebrations and events open to everyone:

• Evening novena of prayer in the days leading up to the festival, culminating in the solemn celebration;
• Holy Masses, blessings for children and teenagers, Liturgy of the Word, and procession;
• Concerts and choral performances, ranging from hymns to Saint Vitus to musical evenings with bands and ensembles;
• Art exhibitions and cultural initiatives hosted in the spaces around the sanctuary;
• Social and gastronomic gatherings organized by the Nole Pro Loco, featuring dinners, community lunches, and typical local products;
• Afternoons for families with games, ice cream, and activities for children;
• A traditional lottery and charity initiatives.

Nole and the Canavese region

Visiting Nole during the San Vito Festival is also an opportunity to discover the Canavese, a land of hills, castles, and Piedmontese traditions north of Turin. Deeply linked to local identity, the festival represents a meeting point between the spiritual dimension of the sanctuary and the life of the community, in a welcoming atmosphere that perfectly reflects the spirit of the towns in this part of Piedmont.