Sant'Anna Festival at the Sanctuary of Vinadio
The patronal feast at the highest Marian sanctuary in Europe, at 2,035 meters in the Cuneo Alps
About Sant'Anna Festival
The patronal feast of the highest sanctuary in Europe
Every year, around July 26th, the Sanctuary of Sant'Anna di Vinadio celebrates its patronal feast. Nestled at an altitude of 2,035 meters along the road climbing from Vinadio toward the Colle della Lombarda, in the municipality of Vinadio (Cuneo province, Piedmont), it is considered the highest Marian sanctuary in Europe. The Sant'Anna festival has been one of the most deeply felt events in the Cuneo valleys for centuries, drawing pilgrims, hikers, and devotees from across the region and nearby France.
Ancient devotion between legend and mountains
Tradition holds that around 1300, Saint Anne appeared to a young shepherdess named Anna Bagnis on a rock not far from the sanctuary, now known as the Rocca dell'Apparizione (Rock of the Apparition). Since then, the site, which began as a simple refuge chapel for those crossing the mountain pass, has become a place of pilgrimage dedicated to Saint Anne and Saint Joachim, the parents of the Virgin Mary. The current church dates back to the late 17th century and has been expanded several times to accommodate the pilgrims who reach this alpine basin every summer.
What makes the festival special
The heart of the festival is the candlelight procession on the eve: as evening falls, torches light up the meadow in front of the sanctuary while the statue of Saint Anne is carried in procession, accompanied by the sound of the mobile bell tower. On the day of the feast, the climb to the Rocca dell'Apparizione, international masses animated by guest choirs, and vespers mark a day that combines faith, popular tradition, and the spectacle of the mountains.
- Candlelight procession on the eve with a tribute to the statue of Saint Anne
- Pilgrimage to the Rocca dell'Apparizione
- Masses and vespers animated by guest choirs
- Bell concert with the mobile bell tower (CampaneTO)
- Blessings for families, children, and grandparents
An event for the entire Cuneo area
The Sant'Anna festival is not just a religious moment: it is a collective ritual that brings entire families up to the mountains from Vinadio and the towns of the Cuneo province. During July and August, a bus service connects the main towns of the Cuneo area to the sanctuary, making the ascent possible even for those who do not hike. For visitors, climbing to Sant'Anna on July 26th means discovering one of the most authentic traditions of the Alpine Piedmont.
Sant'Anna Festival — edition 2026
Festa di Sant'Anna 2026
L'edizione 2026 della festa patronale del Santuario di Sant'Anna di Vinadio (Provincia di Cuneo, Piemonte) si celebra il 26 luglio, con la tradizionale processione aux flambeaux nella serata della vigilia, sabato 25 luglio alle ore 21. Il santuario apre per la stagione estiva domenica 14 giugno 2026, con le strutture di ospitalità operative già da sabato 13 giugno.
Durante tutta l'estate la processione mariana aux flambeaux si tiene ogni sabato sera alle ore 21, con due appuntamenti particolarmente sentiti il 25 luglio (vigilia della festa) e il 14 agosto. Nei mesi di luglio e agosto è attivo un servizio di autobus che collega i principali paesi del cuneese al santuario.
Il programma dettagliato della giornata del 26 luglio 2026 (orari di messe e vespri, cori ospiti e celebranti) sarà pubblicato dal santuario in prossimità della festa.
Programme Sant'Anna Festival 2026
Vigilia — sabato 25 luglio 2026
- Sera (ore 21) — Processione aux flambeaux e omaggio alla statua di Sant'Anna, con concerto del campanile mobile (CampaneTO)
Festa di Sant'Anna — domenica 26 luglio 2026
- Mattino — Pellegrinaggio alla Rocca dell'Apparizione
- Messa internazionale animata dai cori ospiti
- Concerto di campane con il campanile mobile
- Pomeriggio — Concerto dei cori e benedizioni per famiglie, bambini e nonni
- Sera — Secondi Vespri
Gli orari precisi delle celebrazioni 2026 e i nomi dei cori e dei celebranti saranno comunicati dal Santuario in prossimità della festa. La struttura qui indicata riprende quella consolidata delle edizioni precedenti.
Highlights Sant'Anna Festival 2026
La processione aux flambeaux della vigilia, con le fiaccole che illuminano la conca alpina a 2035 metri di quota davanti alla statua di Sant'Anna, è il momento più suggestivo della festa. Da non perdere anche il pellegrinaggio alla Rocca dell'Apparizione e il concerto del campanile mobile.
Prices Sant'Anna Festival 2026
Practical information — Sant'Anna Festival
How to get there
The Sanctuary of Sant'Anna is located at an altitude of approximately 2,035 meters, along the road that climbs from Vinadio (Cuneo province) toward the Colle della Lombarda. By car, it can be reached from Vinadio by following the signs for Sant'Anna / Colle della Lombarda. In July and August, a bus service connects the main towns of the Cuneo area to the sanctuary with bi-weekly runs.
When
The sanctuary opens for the summer season in mid-June. The patronal feast is celebrated on July 26th, with a candlelight procession on the evening of the eve. The Marian candlelight procession is held every Saturday evening at 9:00 PM during the summer.
Tips
As this is a high-mountain location, appropriate clothing is recommended even in summer (jacket, hiking shoes), and visitors should pay attention to weather conditions. Hospitality facilities for pilgrims are available on-site.
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Where does it take place — Sant'Anna Festival
Santuario di Sant'Anna di Vinadio
Frazione Sant'Anna, 12010 Vinadio