The origins of the festivities in honour of the Traditional Militia of Bannio in Anzasca Valley date back as far as 1600, when Spaniards and the Duke of Savoy were at war competing for the Ossola lands. The Land Militia was established to defend these lands and perform a military role, and was primarily made up of inhabitants of the Anzasca Valley.
Today, every year the Traditional Militia of Bannio , which now safeguards religion and local tradition as opposed to the land, performs the oldest ceremonies that can be traced back to the first half of the 1600. As part of the honorary celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Snows, in six intense days around 5 August, a jam-packed programme of festivities is held, blending faith and tradition; all the thrill and splendour of the guard of honour also dates back to a bygone era, with the resounding sound of blanks loaded in rifles, which takes place during the day as part of the Historical Celebration of the Traditional Militia.
