Feast of Saints Faustino and Giovita in Manerbio
The patron saints of Brescia between religious rite and greasy pole
About Feast of Saint Faustino
The Patrons of Brescia in Manerbio
The Feast of Saints Faustino and Giovita is celebrated in Manerbio (Province of Brescia) on February 15th, the day dedicated to the two 2nd-century martyrs, beheaded in Brescia and venerated as patrons of the city and the entire Brescia territory. The commemoration, deeply felt throughout the province, takes on forms in Manerbio that combine the religious and popular dimensions.
The Rite in the Historic Chapel
The religious moment takes place in the evocative 13th-century votive chapel, rebuilt in the 16th century and historically linked to the noble Martinengo-Di Rosa family. Here, the solemn service is held with the exposition of the saints' relics, in a context of great historical and spiritual value.
The Greasy Pole Challenge
Alongside the rite, the festival offers the traditional greasy pole challenge: teams from Manerbio's neighborhoods compete for typical Bassa bresciana gastronomic prizes, climbing the greased pole in a fun competition that attracts a large crowd. A parade of costumed figures completes the popular festival atmosphere.
Flavors of Brescia's Winter
The food stalls, managed by local associations, offer winter specialties: roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and hot cheese, in a convivial atmosphere that warms the February days. The Feast of Saint Faustino is thus the occasion when Manerbio celebrates both its faith and its popular roots.
Feast of Saint Faustino — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Feast of Saints Faustino and Giovita will be celebrated on Sunday, February 15th, the fixed date of the commemoration. The day combines the religious rite in the 13th-century votive chapel, with the exposition of relics, with the traditional greasy pole challenge between Manerbio's neighborhood teams.
Programme Feast of Saint Faustino 2026
The festival is structured, as per tradition, between religious and popular celebration:
- Solemn service in the 13th-century votive chapel, with exposition of the patron saints' relics
- Greasy pole challenge between the teams of Manerbio's neighborhoods, with gastronomic prizes from the Bassa bresciana
- Parade of costumed figures
- Food stalls with roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and hot cheese, managed by local associations
Highlights Feast of Saint Faustino 2026
Prices Feast of Saint Faustino 2026
Practical information — Feast of Saint Faustino
How to get there
Manerbio is located in the Bassa bresciana, along the Via Emilia, reachable by car and train (Brescia–Cremona line). Events take place in the center and at the historic chapel.
When
February 15th, fixed date.
Tips
Food stalls with roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and hot cheese. Free admission.
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Where does it take place — Feast of Saint Faustino
Manerbio