Santa Maria Maddalena Patronal Feast

The Mombaruzzo Patronal Feast

The Santa Maria Maddalena Patronal Feast is the most significant event in the civil and religious calendar of Mombaruzzo, a small hilltop village in the Province of Asti, Piedmont, in the heart of Monferrato. Santa Maria Maddalena is the town's patron saint, and she is traditionally celebrated around July 22nd, the day the Church commemorates her in the liturgical calendar.

A deeply felt community event

The festival has always been a moment of great participation for the entire Mombaruzzo community. The heart of the day is the religious celebration: the statue of the saint is carried to the Town Hall square, where the archpriest celebrates Holy Mass in the presence of the faithful, civil authorities, and confraternities. Over the years, representatives from the confraternities of Fabbriche di Voltri have also taken part, a testament to the ancient ties between Mombaruzzo and the Ligurian coast.

The Monferrato Bell-Ringers

Among the most characteristic traditions of the festival is the bell concert performed by the Monferrato Bell-Ringers Association from the parish church's bell tower. The sound of the bells, rung by hand according to the ancient art of campanology, accompanies the highlights of the day and is one of the most beloved elements for the people of Mombaruzzo.

The Church of Santa Maria Maddalena

The parish church of Santa Maria Maddalena stands within what was once the village's fortified enclosure. The exposed-brick building dates back to the 14th century: originally a single-nave church, it was expanded and modified over the centuries and houses a polychrome marble high altar from 1771. The church has weathered the most dramatic events in the town's history, from 17th-century military raids to plague epidemics.

Mombaruzzo, land of amaretti and wine

Visiting Mombaruzzo during the patronal feast is also an opportunity to discover a village with a strong medieval and Renaissance character, featuring its 13th-century civic tower and historic palaces. Mombaruzzo is famous throughout Piedmont for its amaretti, almond cookies created in the late 18th century, and is located along the Gran Monferrato Wine Route, amidst hills planted with Barbera, Brachetto, and Moscato vines. The Santa Maria Maddalena feast is therefore an invitation to experience the traditions and flavors of this corner of the Asti Monferrato.