Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua

A devotion rooted in maritime Bisceglie

The Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua is one of the most intense events in the religious calendar of Bisceglie, a coastal town in the Barletta-Andria-Trani province, in Apulia. Although Saint Anthony is not the town's official patron saint, devotion to him is deeply rooted, especially within the seafaring community: the bond between the Saint of Padua and the sailors of Bisceglie has been passed down for generations, making this festival one of the most authentic expressions of local identity.

The heart of the celebrations: The Rectory of the Most Holy Savior

The celebrations are organized by the Confraternity and Rectory of the Most Holy Savior, located in the heart of the historic center, which also houses some of the Saint's relics. This is the starting point for the religious program that accompanies the faithful throughout the month of June, culminating in the solemnity of June 13th.

The Tredicina, the Triduum, and the procession

The spiritual journey begins with the tredicina, thirteen days of prayer leading up to the feast, marked by the recitation of the Rosary and evening Eucharistic celebrations. This is followed by the preparatory triduum and the most solemn moments: the procession of the painting and, on the day of the feast, the city procession that winds through the streets of the old town with the participation of civil and military authorities.

The blessing of the sea and folk traditions

A distinctive element of the Bisceglie festivities is the blessing of the sea and the boats at the harbor, a moment that recalls the city's maritime soul and commemorates those who lost their lives at sea. Over the years, the festival has also been enriched by popular events such as the historical pageant with participants in medieval costumes and the re-enactment of the "Transit of Saint Anthony" on the church square, a true journey back in time amidst the songs and sounds of medieval Bisceglie.

A festival for the Bisceglie community

Blending faith, folklore, and tradition, the Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua unites the entire Municipality of Bisceglie: parishes, confraternities, fishermen, and families gather to renew a centuries-old devotion that weaves Franciscan spirituality with the maritime identity of the Apulian Adriatic coast.