Celebrazioni per la Festa di San Francesco, Patrono d'Italia
The celebrations for the Patron Saint of Italy in Assisi, between the Transit and the National Holiday
About Festa di San Francesco
The Patron Saint of Italy celebrated in his city
The Celebrations for the Feast of Saint Francis are the most important religious and civil event in Assisi (province of Perugia, in Umbria). Saint Francis is the Patron Saint of Italy and every year his feast day draws institutional authorities, regional representatives, diplomats, and pilgrims from all over the world to the Umbrian city.
Transit and National Holiday
The celebrations are spread over two days. On the evening of October 3rd, the Transit of Saint Francis is commemorated, i.e., the anniversary of his death, which occurred on the night of October 3rd, 1226, at the Porziuncola in Santa Maria degli Angeli. On October 4th, the Saint's liturgical day, pontifical masses are held in the Basilicas, with the offering of oil for the votive lamp by a different Italian Region each year.
A national holiday since 2026
With Law no. 151 of October 8th, 2025, October 4th has become a national civil holiday again starting from 2026, to promote the values of peace, fraternity, environmental protection, and solidarity embodied by the figure of the Saint. The reinstatement of the holiday coincides with the eighth centenary of Saint Francis' death (1226-2026).
Festa di San Francesco — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Celebrations for the Feast of Saint Francis coincides with the eighth centenary of the Saint's death (1226-2026) and is the focal point of Assisi's rich Franciscan calendar, which offers over eighty initiatives throughout the year.
October 4th, 2026, is also the first anniversary on which the feast of the Patron Saint of Italy returns to being a national civil holiday, according to Law no. 151/2025. The celebrations will be held in the presence of major personalities from the institutional and religious world.
Programme Festa di San Francesco 2026
Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 — Transit of Saint Francis
- Solemn liturgies commemorating the Transit, the anniversary of the Saint's death (night of October 3rd, 1226)
- Celebrations at the Basilica of Saint Francis and the Porziuncola of Santa Maria degli Angeli
Sunday, October 4th, 2026 — Feast of Saint Francis, Patron Saint of Italy
- Pontifical masses in the Basilica of Saint Francis
- Offering of oil for the votive lamp by the Region designated for the year
- Civil and religious ceremonies with the participation of state authorities
Detailed times of the liturgies and the names of the personalities present will be communicated by the Sacro Convento and the authorities in the weeks preceding the event.
Highlights Festa di San Francesco 2026
Prices Festa di San Francesco 2026
Practical information — Festa di San Francesco
How to get there
Assisi is served by the Assisi-Santa Maria degli Angeli train station, with bus connections to the historic centre and the Basilica of Saint Francis. By car, take the Ospedalicchio exit from the SS75 or E45. On the days of the celebrations, the historic centre is subject to significant traffic restrictions.
Tips
The main liturgies are held in the Basilica of Saint Francis and the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli. Given the huge turnout, it is advisable to arrive well in advance and follow the ceremonial instructions.
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Where does it take place — Festa di San Francesco
Basilica di San Francesco e Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli
Piazza San Francesco, 06081 Assisi