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The Italian village festival known as the Sagra dal Lapagiun returns to Stroppiana for five days of community events, arts, and athletic competitions running from Wednesday, August 12, to Sunday, August 16, according to the local Pro loco organizing committee. The annual summer gathering features a packed schedule ranging from youth sports tournaments and art exhibitions to live music performances and the traditional Strapagiun non-competitive running race.
Opening Events and Youth Sports on August 12
Festivities kick off on Wednesday, August 12, at 4:00 PM with the opening of the Tornei del Lapagiùn, dedicated athletic competitions tailored for the 2008 birth cohort, as detailed in the official event schedule. At 8:00 PM, the Chiesa di Santa Marta hosts the inauguration of an exhibition showcasing local artists alongside a traditional charity stall. Evening entertainment begins at 9:00 PM with performances from the Kaleido dance school and a pole dance show, followed at 9:30 PM by an opening dance party featuring the I Soleado orchestra.
Family Entertainment and Italian Music on August 13
The festival shifts focus to family-friendly programming and classic Italian pop culture on Thursday, August 13. Instructors Barby and Becky lead a children’s baby dance session starting at 9:00 PM. The night continues at 10:00 PM with a live concert titled “Il tributo che non imita,” an interpretive musical tribute dedicated to the iconic Italian band 883, according to the Pro loco program.
Historical Fashion and Rock Concerts on August 14
Friday, August 14, introduces distinct historical and modern musical elements to the Stroppiana calendar. Activities commence at 5:30 PM with a public parade showcasing vintage period nightgowns. The post-dinner lineup features a dance showcase at 9:30 PM, immediately followed at 10:00 PM by a high-energy rock concert performed by the band Toon Distorsion.
Ferragosto Celebrations and Dance Shows on August 15
Observing the national Ferragosto holiday, Saturday, August 15, begins with a solemn religious service for the Assumption of Mary at 11:30 AM. Evening events start at 20:30 (8:30 PM) when the town square converts into an open-air dance floor hosting a bachata and salsa stage, accompanied by music from Dj Gabry and choreography routines by the May Academy. Stage performances ramp up at 11:00 PM with consecutive showcases from the Time Cafè Dance & Fitness school, a collaborative routine titled “Oiganlo” performed by the Maroli brothers, and an interpretive show named “All of me” delivered by the youth group Kizpower.
Patron Saint Festivities and the Strapagiun Race on August 16
The five-day festival concludes on Sunday, August 16, opening with a morning Mass dedicated to the patron saint San Michele at 11:30 AM. Athletic competition returns in the late afternoon at 7:00 PM with the start of the Strapagiun, a 6-kilometer running race coordinated in partnership with Sesia Running. Race organizers host the official awards ceremony at 8:30 PM in the town square. The Sagra dal Lapagiun officially closes with a final late-night disco event powered by Radio Gran Paradiso, beginning at 10:00 PM.