An ancient custom preserved in Valsesia. On the Walser House blog, we recount the 'Bread Pact' between Rimella and Fobello—a fragile tradition untouched by mass tourism.
The bread pact between Rimella and Fobello
There are things in Valsesia that don't need stages, entrance tickets, or social media advertising. They thrive on an intimate, almost secret breath, passed down in whispers between the valleys and the old wooden trunks.
It is the case of what happens between Rimella (or Remmalju) and Fobello on the day of the Ascension. A celebration so authentic and fragile that, paradoxically, we have decided to tell you about it on the Walser House blog precisely to spread this tradition with care, but not to use it as a tourist attraction!
But let's go in order.
Blood, flour, and mutual aid
It all begins with a true story, one of those tough ones that smell of endless winters and survival. Once, during an unrelenting famine that had brought Fobello to its knees, the community of Rimella decided not to barricade themselves in their homes. They shared what little they had and offered their bread to their neighbors. A vital, raw, and naked gesture that forged a bond between the two villages, celebrated even today without fanfare.
Forget the tourist folklore.
During the Ascension, the two communities march together in procession following an untouchable hierarchy: the Rimellesi walk in front, while the Fobellesi follow behind. And then there’s the detail that sends shivers down the spine of those who love history: the clothing.
Please, don't call them "costumes."
What you will see on people — among starched lace, embroidered aprons, and austere vests — are not theatrical replicas sewn to please tourists. They are the original garments, inherited from generation to generation. A piece of family identity that only sees the light of day for special occasions, accompanied by the stubborn breath of live accordions playing.
💡 Did you know that… The blessed bread that the people of Rimella donate to the people of Fobello is delivered in a special bag? On it, there is the coat of arms of Remmalju and a dedication written not only in Italian but also in Titchu (the ancient language spoken by the Walser minority). But the real gem is another: the pact is reciprocal. The following Sunday, the exact opposite happens. It is the people of Rimella who walk towards Fobello to symbolically reclaim the bread. The circle of favor is closed.
A pearl to leave in its shell
Why do we tell you such a beautiful story only to discourage you from participating? Because the mountain is full of traditions that shine only as long as they remain intimate.
The Ascension festival sees almost exclusively the participation of the inhabitants of the various local fractions; it is not a fair, it is a family moment. Loving Valsesia and promoting its culture, as we at Walser House strive to do, also means understanding when it is time to take a step back.
Let these two communities continue to exchange their bread in peace, watching them from afar, with the utmost respect.
About us
Hello! We are Bianca and Martino, the souls behind this blog. Our story is a bridge between Romagna and the Alps. Martino grew up among the slopes and pastures of Rimella, carrying in his heart the memories of summers spent in Val Mastallone and winter skiing on Monte Rosa. Despite life in Ravenna, the call of his roots has always been incredibly strong. Bianca, from Ravenna, discovered this corner of Piedmont for love: she fell in love first with Martino and, soon after, with the wild beauty of Valsesia. In 2026, she decided to change her life, leaving her "steady job" to turn a passion into reality and dedicate herself full-time to managing the diffused hotel Walser House.
Every summer we live among these mountains, and our purpose is to share with you the experiences that make this place unique. We want to help you discover what it truly means to "unplug": here, among the stone houses and the sound of the streams, we have learned the true meaning of living "slow." We await you in Val Mastallone to show you our idea of home.