
Let’s take a step back to the first Festa della Riconoscenza, in 1981. At the time, Don Roberto wrote in the parish newsletter:
“The Festa della Riconoscenza is one of those celebrations that will be remembered for a long time, because it was lived with enthusiasm by everyone and because it brought the entire parish community together in fraternal harmony.”
The day began at dawn. Young volunteers, who had spent weeks visiting every household to collect donations for the traditional auction (“incanto”), carefully displayed the items in front of the church, ready to be admired. Seven pairs of boys and girls, trained over several months under the patient guidance of maestro Evalde Obert and the organist Giovanni Alliod, welcomed guests to the 10:30 a.m. Mass, dressed in the traditional Ayas costumes, while other young people transported visitors who could not walk.
Meanwhile, the cooks, supervised by Remo, started preparing the lunch at first light, ensuring that everything would be perfect. The hall at Ville Rivetti was beautifully set up—an unforgettable experience for many to dine in the historic former Rivetti family house. In the afternoon, visitors enjoyed performances by elementary school children, featuring fun skits, poems, traditional dances to the tunes of Paysan d’Ayas and Zoccoletti, and art projects made by middle school girls under the guidance of local nuns.
Over the years, the festival has changed locations: from Ville Rivetti to the Piazzale dei Fratelli, near the Antagnod school, and back to the pavilion by the workshop, with one edition even in Champoluc. Yet the rituals and spirit have remained unchanged: heartfelt speeches and letters of gratitude, like those from Don Letey or the charming voice of Alina from Saint-Jacques, continue to move the community.
Although the festival has evolved, its essence is timeless: the young people, who revive it every year, and the elders, who participate joyfully while sharing stories of the past, are the beating heart of this celebration. As Don Roberto wrote:
“The idea was good, and the young people have always embraced it with enthusiasm!”
This year, the festival will be celebrated on Sunday, June 12: 10:30 a.m. Mass in Antagnod, 12:30 p.m. lunch at the pavilion, followed by folk dances by children in traditional Ayas costumes in the afternoon.
The evening before, Saturday, June 11 at 9:00 p.m., enjoy a lively dance night with the Marco & Simon Band.
Everyone is warmly invited to experience this festival of memory, community, and living tradition!








All was really good
All was really good
Nice and friendly hotel, great breakfast
Nice and friendly hotel, great breakfast
All the comfort you need when enjoying this charming town.
All the comfort you need when enjoying this charming town.
Easter Ski Trip
Easter Ski Trip
Happy Vacation in Hotel L'Aiglon.
Happy Vacation in Hotel L'Aiglon.
Nice location, great value
Nice location, great value
Excellent séjour à l'hôtel l'Aiglon!
Excellent séjour à l'hôtel l'Aiglon!
Friendly familystyle hotel
Friendly familystyle hotel
Fabulous return visit
Fabulous return visit
Another GREAT stay
Another GREAT stay