Celebrants navigating the intersection of holy and vulgar: the August Fair and the snowy deity's protector
The charming town of Novi, Italy, is gearing up for an exciting week of celebrations, with the August Fair (Fiera d'Agosto) and the Madonna della Neve festivities taking centre stage. Here's a rundown of the key events:
- Tradizionale Concerto della Madonna della Neve - On August 3rd, the Corpo Musicale “Romualdo Marenco - Città di Novi Ligure APS” will perform a traditional concert in Piazza Carenzi, honouring the city's patron saint. Maestro Massimo Folli will lead the performance, promising an evening of beautiful music[2][3][5].
- The August Fair - Running from August 2nd to 5th, the August Fair brings a host of activities to the town. The fair is a cherished tradition, offering a mix of market stalls, food vendors, music, and community events in a vibrant atmosphere[5].
- Madonna della Neve Religious Celebration - The religious aspect of the celebrations revolves around the veneration of the Madonna della Neve. While specific details on religious ceremonies are not extensively documented, the highlight includes the concert honoring the Madonna and possibly religious masses or processions at the local churches in Novi[2][3].
- Fireworks Display - On August 4th, a fireworks display will light up the night sky in the stadium area. For spectators, Via Girardengo will be closed, with viewing opportunities available from adjacent streets[1].
- Disco-connect - On August 2nd, young music enthusiasts can look forward to an evening event, Disco-connect, featuring music tailored for the younger crowd. The event will take place in Piazza Dellepiane at 10 PM[4].
- Dance Event with the Orchestra of Paolo Bagnasco - On August 5th, a dance event with the Orchestra of Paolo Bagnasco is scheduled at the Nuovo Circolo Ilva in Novi[6].
- Street Vendors - The historic centre of Novi will be bustling with street vendors' stalls from August 2nd to August 4th. However, traffic may be affected due to parking and traffic restrictions on Viale Saffi, part of Via Garibaldi, and Corso Marenco[7].
- Religious Festival Peak - The religious festival of the Madonna della Neve will reach its most spiritual moment on August 5th[8]. The traditional procession of the "Vergine Lagrimosa" statue will take place immediately after the mass[1]. The iconography of the statue is reminiscent of medieval Germany[1].
- Cooler Climate - This year's August Fair is expected to have a cooler climate compared to past years[9].
Thousands of visitors are anticipated to attend these celebrations, making for a lively and festive atmosphere in Novi, Italy.
During the August Fair and the Madonna della Neve festivities, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as street vendors offering fashion-and-beauty products, food-and-drink delicacies, and home-and-garden items in the historic centre of Novi (from August 2nd to August 4th). Additionally, on August 5th, the peak of the religious festival will culminate in a traditional procession of the "Vergine Lagrimosa" statue, which showcases an average Italian lifestyle with a nod to medieval German iconography.
