791° Festa di San Giorgio

The Corsa dei Buoi of Caresana is one of the oldest and most deeply rooted events in Piedmont, an event that combines faith, tradition and competition in honor of San Giorgio. Its origins are lost in the centuries and, according to some sources, date back to 1236, linked to a vow made by the community to overcome an epidemic. Since then, it has been held every year without interruption on the Sunday after 23 April, the feast of the Saint. The celebration begins with a solemn and engaging atmosphere: on the evening before the race there is the procession with the statue of San Giorgio, followed by the draw for the starting order and moments of conviviality such as the charity cake table. Sunday morning is marked by age-old rites and traditions, with the marching band bringing cheer and the Holy Mass, during which the bread is blessed, symbol of sharing and devotion. The highlight is the Corsa dei Buoi, which starts at noon along the town’s main street. The oxen, adorned with garlands and decorated yokes, are lined up at the start after three votive laps around the church. With the shot signaling the start of the race, the animals set off along the route, evoking