Festa di Sant’Antonio

The Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua, held in Solofra every year in May and June, offers a rich programme of events.

The solemn celebrations start as early as 31 May, on the occasion of the so-called "tredicina", which precedes the feast day of the Paduan saint. From that date, every day until 12 June, special religious services, accompanied by the prayer of the "tredicina", are celebrated in the Church of Sant'Antonio (Saint Anthony), located in the square of the same name and also known as the "Church of the Balsams".

The Church also hosts the solemn mass on 13 June, the liturgical feast day of Saint Anthony: on this day, worshippers gather in the square in front of the religious building to attend the service. The celebrations continue over the following days, with a Holy Mass attended by the people who carry the statue of the Saint through the streets of the city and the procession, followed by prayer and a final blessing. 

A centuries-old religious tradition, the Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua involves the entire community of Solofra, in a marvellous setting of lights and colours.