Feast of Saint Juvenal the Patron
Narni celebrates its first bishop and patron between faith, history, and tradition
About Feast of Saint Juvenal
Saint Juvenal, at the roots of Narni
The Feast of Saint Juvenal the Patron is the most cherished religious and civil event in Narni, in the province of Terni. Saint Juvenal, the city's first bishop in the 4th century, is the foundational figure around whom the city's festival was born – the same one from which the renowned Corsa all'Anello also originates. The celebrations are concentrated between May 1st and 3rd, culminating on the Sunday closest to the anniversary.
Liturgy and ancient rites
The feast combines moments of deep spirituality with ancient ceremonies codified in the statutes of 1371: the offering of candles and poles by the parishes and Terzieri (historic districts), the solemn mass in the Cathedral, the procession with the Saint's bust through the streets of the center, and the evocative historical ring race in Piazza dei Priori, which recalls the origins of Narni's equestrian jousts in its gestures.
A city celebrating
Alongside the religious celebrations, the historic center of Narni comes alive with medieval markets, shows, games, and concerts in the Cathedral, such as the event A cantar San Giovenale. It's an opportunity to discover one of Umbria's most fascinating art cities at a time when it renews its bond with its patron saint.
Feast of Saint Juvenal — edition 2026
The 2026 edition held special significance: the 1650th anniversary of the death of Saint Juvenal, Narni's first bishop who lived in the 4th century. The celebrations unfolded from May 1st to 3rd, intertwining faith, history, and tradition in Narni's historic center.
The central moment was Sunday, May 3rd, with the solemn mass in the Cathedral, presided over by Cardinal Enrico Feroci, featuring the offering of candles by the parishes, the procession with the Saint's bust, and the ancient civil rites drawn from the statutes of 1371.
Programme Feast of Saint Juvenal 2026
From May 1st
- Medieval markets, shows, and games in the historic center
Saturday, May 2nd
- 9:30 PM — De cereis et palii offerendi: ceremony of the offering of candles and poles
Sunday, May 3rd
- 10:30 AM — Solemn Mass in the Cathedral presided over by Cardinal Enrico Feroci, with the offering of candles by the parishes
- Procession with the Saint's bust through the streets of the center
- 5:00 PM — De anulo argenteo currendo: historical ring race according to the statutes of 1371, in Piazza dei Priori
- 9:15 PM — A cantar San Giovenale: concert in the Cathedral
Source: Diocese of Terni-Narni-Amelia.
Highlights Feast of Saint Juvenal 2026
Prices Feast of Saint Juvenal 2026
Practical information — Feast of Saint Juvenal
Where
Narni (TR): Cathedral of Saint Juvenal, Piazza dei Priori, and historic center.
When
Early May, culminating on the Sunday closest to the feast of Saint Juvenal (May 3rd).
Admission
Religious celebrations and events in the historic center are free to attend.
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Where does it take place — Feast of Saint Juvenal
Cattedrale di San Giovenale e centro storico