Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi

A centuries-old devotion in the Vallo di Diano

In Padula, a town in the Province of Salerno overlooking the Vallo di Diano in Campania, the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi is more than just a liturgical recurrence: it is the moment of greatest popular participation of the entire year. The celebrations span several weeks, from late September to mid-October, involving the entire community, from children wearing traditional habits to shepherds descending from the hills with their flocks.

The Convent of San Francesco, the heart of the festival

Everything revolves around the Convent of San Francesco, founded in 1380 by the Sanseverino family and inhabited by friars since 1422, when the Gothic cloister and convent house were completed. The complex preserves frescoes, 15th-century wooden sculptures, a 1645 entrance portal, and a 19th-century majolica bell tower: a heritage that the people of Padula consider part of their identity. For over six centuries, the Franciscan presence has been a constant reference point for the town, and today the Friars Minor lead the festivities.

Novena, Transitus, and processions

The calendar follows a well-established pattern. Starting on September 25th, the novena begins with the Holy Rosary, the chaplet to the Saint, and daily Holy Mass, accompanied by the blessing of children wearing the habits of Saint Francis and Saint Anthony. During these days, the Days of the Sick take place, featuring friars visiting homes, community prayer, and the administration of sacraments.

On the evening of October 3rd, the Transitus of Saint Francis is celebrated, including the blessing of the cinti votivi (votive candles); in recent years, the rite has been presided over by Bishop Antonio De Luca. On October 4th, the Saint's feast day, the procession travels through the countryside with the children; on the following Sunday, the statues of Saint Francis and Saint Anthony are carried through the town streets. The celebrations conclude with a Solemn Mass and the act of entrustment of the children, who return their habits.

Animal blessings and the raffle

The most distinctive feature is the bond with the agro-pastoral world. In the days leading up to the feast, the friars travel through the Padula countryside to bless the animals: dogs, cats, horses, and livestock from farms and private owners. This is followed by the raffle, an ancient collection of offerings where donated animals are raffled off to support the convent. The Friars Minor have clarified that this is neither an auction nor a slaughter: the animals return to the donor shepherds or pass to other breeders as a sign of blessing for their flocks, and many animals are presented year after year because they are considered "of Saint Francis."

Zampogne, ciaramelle, and the Cena degli Angeli

Alongside the religious rites, a high-quality cultural program has grown over the years. The Festival of ciaramelle, zampogne, and organetti (traditional bagpipes and accordions), which reached its fourth edition in 2025, gathers musicians of the Campanian folk tradition. It is accompanied by workshops on votive candles and bagpipes curated by the Desidera association, photographic exhibitions in the cloister, and the evenings of the Cena degli Angeli (Dinner of the Angels), dedicated to local Franciscan-inspired cuisine.

Between tradition and debate

In 2025, the festival became the center of public discussion: following a complaint from animal rights associations, for the first time, animals did not parade in the procession, while the raffle took place under the supervision of the Carabinieri and in the presence of veterinarians. The debate between those who defend tradition and those who call for greater protections remains open, reflecting how deeply this festival is still woven into the social fabric of the town of Padula.

The 2026 event

The year 2026 holds special significance: the Convent of Padula is participating in the Franciscan Jubilee Year (January 10, 2026 – January 10, 2027) proclaimed for the eighth centenary of the Transitus of Saint Francis, and in Italy, October 4th returns to being a national holiday. The detailed program for the Padula festivities is usually published in September by the Convent of San Francesco: it is advisable to follow the official channels of the Friars Minor for definitive dates and times.