Celebrations for Saint Charles Borromeo in Arona (November 2026)
Date of the event:
In Arona, in the Province of Novara, celebrations are held from 4 to 8 November 2026 for the 442nd anniversary of the death of Saint Charles Borromeo, who died in Milan on 3 November 1584. The programme includes opening the monumental statue dedicated to the saint, overlooking Lake Maggiore, with a schedule of visits, religious services and social gatherings organised by Archeologistics on behalf of the Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana.[1]
The programme
On Wednesday 4 November the statue opens with a reduced admission fee of 3 euros per person, compared with the regular price. The day includes afternoon guided tours and Mass celebrated in the church of San Carlo.[1]
On Saturday 7 November a guided walk explores the historic sites linked to the saint's life and to Arona's history. On Sunday 8 November the closing celebration takes place, with Mass followed by the traditional procession accompanied by the San Giorgio Music Band and chestnuts and mulled wine handed out by the Alpini (Alpine troops' association).[1]
Times and booking
The statue remains open daily until Sunday 8 November, from 10am to 5pm, ahead of its winter closure before the December holidays. All events and guided tours require compulsory online booking.[1]
Sources
- NovaraToday — 4 November 2026