Benedictine Celebrations - Feast of Saint Benedict of Norcia
Norcia celebrates Saint Benedict, Patron of Europe, with the Torch of Peace
About Benedictine Celebrations
The Benedictine Celebrations of Norcia
Within the walls of Norcia, in the heart of the Valnerina in the province of Perugia, the festival dedicated to Saint Benedict, founder of the Benedictine order, Patron of Europe, and the city's most famous son, is renewed every year around March 21st.
The "Pro Pace et Europa Una" Torch
The most symbolic moment is the arrival of the Benedictine Torch "Pro Pace et Europa Una", which travels approximately 320 kilometers from Cassino, passing through Subiaco and Rieti, carrying a message of peace, fraternity, and harmony. The torch, escorted by running groups from the cities it passes through, enters the historic center welcomed by the ringing of bells and the ceremonial lighting of the tripod.
Solemn Mass and Historical Procession
On March 21st, religious celebrations take place in the Basilica of Saint Benedict — reopened after restoration following the 2016 earthquake — and in Piazza San Benedetto, with the conventual mass, the historical procession, the solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Archbishop of Spoleto-Norcia, and the city procession with the blessing of the reliquary.
A Festival with a European Scope
The Benedictine Celebrations are not just a local religious event: the connection with the figure of Saint Benedict, proclaimed Patron of Europe, gives Norcia's festival a dimension that transcends the borders of Umbria, echoing the continent's message of unity and peace.
Benedictine Celebrations — edition 2026
The 2026 Benedictine Celebrations were held in Norcia on March 20th and 21st. On Friday, March 20th, the "Pro Pace et Europa Una" Torch arrived in the city after a 320 km journey from Cassino, via Subiaco and Rieti, welcomed by the ringing of bells by Mayor Giuliano Boccanera and entrusted to Archbishop Renato Boccardo for the lighting of the tripod.
On Saturday, March 21st, the religious program culminated with the conventual mass, the historical procession, the solemn Eucharistic celebration in Piazza San Benedetto, and the city procession, also marking the first collective entry into the Basilica of Saint Benedict after its post-earthquake reconstruction.
Programme Benedictine Celebrations 2026
Friday, March 20th
- Arrival of the Benedictine Torch "Pro Pace et Europa Una" after 320 km from Cassino (via Subiaco and Rieti)
- Welcome in the historic center and ceremonial lighting of the tripod by Archbishop Renato Boccardo
Saturday, March 21st
- 09:00 AM — Conventual Mass at the Abbey of Saint Benedict on the Mountain
- 10:00 AM — Historical Procession in Piazza San Benedetto
- 11:00 AM — Solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the Archbishop of Spoleto-Norcia
- 12:15 PM — City Procession with the blessing of the reliquary
- 09:00 PM — Spring Concert "The Music of the Little Ones" at Spazio Digipass
Highlights Benedictine Celebrations 2026
Prices Benedictine Celebrations 2026
Practical information — Benedictine Celebrations
How to get there
Norcia can be reached by car via the SS685 delle Tre Valli Umbre, exiting the SS3 Flaminia at Spoleto. The nearest train station is Spoleto (about 50 km). Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi Airport is about 100 km away.
When and where
The celebrations take place around March 21st, the liturgical feast day of Saint Benedict, in the historic center and the Basilica of Saint Benedict.
Admission
Religious celebrations and public events are free admission.
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Where does it take place — Benedictine Celebrations
Piazza San Benedetto e Basilica di San Benedetto
Piazza San Benedetto, 06046 Norcia