Youth Epiphany

A tradition that spans history

The Youth Epiphany is one of the most beloved events for the community of Romagnano Sesia, a village in the Province of Novara overlooking the Sesia River in Piedmont. Every year on January 6th, the town gathers for a traveling sacred pageant that recreates the Gospel story of the Magi's arrival and their adoration of the Christ Child. It is a celebration that unites faith, culture, and participation, bringing together children, youth, and adults in one great community.

The sacred pageant through the village streets

The heart of the event is the procession that winds through the squares of Romagnano. During years with the full performance, the meeting of the Three Wise Men begins in Piazza Libertà; the procession then continues on horseback toward Piazza Cavour, where the famous scene of the Magi at King Herod's palace is re-enacted. From there, the route returns to the Abbey Church, featuring the appearance of the Angel and the solemn adoration of the Magi before the Baby Jesus, culminating in Holy Mass at the parish church with a special blessing for the children.

The four Wise Men of Romagnano

A unique feature that distinguishes the Romagnano pageant, and which is not found in traditional iconography, is the presence of the "little Moorish king": a fourth character who appears on horseback beside King Balthasar, following his every move. This has led to the local saying that "in Romagnano, there are four Wise Men," a detail that speaks to the identity and imagination of this popular tradition.

The role of the Town Marching Band

The morning is accompanied by the Town Marching Band, whose music adds a evocative atmosphere to the celebration, marking the moments of the procession and the adoration. The music is an integral part of a celebration that manages to be both intimate and festive.

A celebration for the whole community

The Youth Epiphany is not a show for passive spectators: it is a shared ritual that calls upon the different generations of the town every year. In case of bad weather, the pageant takes place inside the Parish Church, ensuring the event is never missed. For those visiting Piedmont during the holiday season, it is an authentic opportunity to discover a living tradition, far from the major tourist circuits and deeply rooted in the life of Romagnano Sesia.