Feast of Saint Fortunatus the Martyr

The feast of the co-patron saint of Serracapriola

The Feast of Saint Fortunatus the Martyr is one of the most cherished events in the religious calendar of Serracapriola, a village in the Alto Tavoliere area of the Foggia province, in the Puglia region, just a few kilometers from the Molise border. For three days, between the end of May and the beginning of June, the entire community gathers around its co-patron saint in a blend of devotion, historical memory, and popular celebration.

Saint Fortunatus, from the Roman catacombs to Serracapriola

Devotion to Saint Fortunatus has ancient roots. According to tradition, the martyr was killed around 255 AD during the persecutions; his body was kept for centuries in the Roman catacombs before being brought to Serracapriola by the town's feudal lords. Since 1866, the sacred relics have been enclosed in a precious silver urn with crystals, kept in the church of Santa Maria in Silvis. On May 15, 1855, Pope Pius IX confirmed Saint Fortunatus, Martyr of Christ, as co-patron of Serracapriola, alongside the primary patron, Saint Mercurius, who is celebrated in September.

The procession of the urn

The most intense moment of the festivities is the procession: on Sunday afternoon, the faithful accompany the Saint's urn through the town streets, amidst emotion, silence, and prayer, with the participation of civil and religious authorities. The days are marked by solemn masses and novenas, which draw many former residents back to the village for the occasion.

Music, illuminations, and fireworks

Alongside the religious dimension, the festival features beloved public events: artistic illuminations lighting up the historic center, concerts in the square, and the lively atmosphere of sharing that fills Corso Garibaldi and Piazza Castello. The festivities traditionally conclude with a fireworks display, whose colors paint the sky over Corso Garibaldi, marking the farewell until the following year.

A community celebration

Organized by the parish led by Father Renato Orlando, together with the festival committee and the support of the Municipality of Serracapriola, the Feast of Saint Fortunatus the Martyr is much more than a liturgical recurrence: it is an identity-defining ritual that strengthens the bond between the town and its roots, offering one of the most authentic ways to experience the folk traditions of the Apulian Capitanata.