San Damiano Macra celebrates Saint Anthony of Padua: three days of faith, tradition and conviviality from June 20 to 22, 2026

SAN DAMIANO MACRA – The traditional Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua returns, scheduled in San Damiano Macra from Saturday, June 20 to Monday, June 22, 2026. Three days that will combine religious moments, sports activities, music, gastronomy and family-oriented initiatives, in the spirit of devotion to the Saint and the promotion of local traditions.

The feast is linked to the historic rural Chapel of Saint Anthony, located just outside the town of San Damiano Macra. Surrounded by greenery and the evocative landscape of Valle Maira, the chapel has represented an important spiritual reference point for the community for generations. Each year the place of worship becomes the destination of the religious procession that renews a tradition deeply rooted in the town’s history.

The festival program

Saturday, June 20

At 2:00 PM in Piazza Caduti, the “Pétanque” bocce tournament will begin with randomly drawn pairs (information: 338 924 3038).

This will be followed by an aperitif with DJ set and, at 7:00 PM, the Paella Evening, accompanied by sangria, dessert and coffee. Dinner has limited seating and requires reservation by Thursday, June 18 via WhatsApp message to 338 317 0276 (Sara) or on the website and social media links of the Pro Loco.

The evening will be animated by the vinyl records of Remo DJ, for a musical journey through great classics and summer atmospheres.

Sunday, June 21

The central day of the feast will be dedicated to religious devotion.

At 10:45 AM the procession will depart from the Parish Church to the Chapel of Saint Anthony, accompanied by the Musical Band of Castelletto di Busca. This will be followed by Holy Mass animated by the Choral Group “La Reis” of San Damiano Macra. At the conclusion there will be the blessing of vehicles and a community aperitif.

In the afternoon, at 4:30 PM, the Rosary and blessing of children will take place in the Parish Church.

At 5:00 PM there will be activities for the youngest with the nature workshop “The Essence of Things”, aimed at children aged 6 to 11 and their families, led by Milena Bellonotto with Borghi Ritrovati, at the Parish Hall.

At 7:00 PM it will be time for the Tarcisio’s All-You-Can-Eat Porchetta Evening, with chips, dessert and coffee. In this case as well, reservation is required by Friday, June 19.

The day will conclude with a free concert by Sonadors, a highly appreciated ensemble for their repertoire that celebrates the musical tradition of our valleys.

Monday, June 22

The final day will be dedicated to sports, children and conviviality.

From 5:00 PM, inflatables will be available for the youngest.

At 6:30 PM the 5th Sant’Antonio Sunset Run will begin, a self-managed non-competitive run and walk in a loop through the hamlets of San Damiano Macra.

Two routes are planned:

• Family: 5 km with 230m elevation gain, average time 1h 30.
• Runners: 7.8 km with 480m elevation gain, average time 1h 15

Registration will include a complimentary t-shirt and the opportunity to enjoy the polenta dinner menu at a promotional price. Information on the Pro Loco website and social media and at 327 227 0137 (Paolo).

At 7:30 PM the traditional Grand Polenta Dinner will be held, for which reservation by Friday, June 19 is appreciated.

The festival will close with musical entertainment by Daniela & Lino, featuring an evening of all-around music.

Religious celebrations

In preparation for the patron feast, on Thursday, June 18 and Friday, June 19 at 9:00 PM, Holy Mass and homily will be held at the rural Chapel of Saint Anthony.

Information, updates and organizational details will be available on the website and social media channels of the Pro Loco of San Damiano Macra.