Feast of the Vow of Saint Clare
The procession commemorating the liberation of Assisi thanks to Saint Clare
About Feast of the Vow
A Promise That Crosses the Centuries
The Feast of the Vow of Saint Clare is one of the most historically significant events in Assisi (province of Perugia, in Umbria). It commemorates an episode from 1241, when the city was threatened by Saracen troops in the service of Emperor Frederick II: according to tradition, it was the intercession and faith of Saint Clare of Assisi that saved the city and the monastery of San Damiano from the assault.
The Vow of 1644
As a sign of gratitude, on May 26, 1644, the Municipality of Assisi officially established, by ordinance, a solemn vow to be renewed annually. Since then, on June 22nd, the mayor publicly renews this promise, reading the historical ordinance in Piazza del Comune, in a gesture that intertwines the civil and religious dimensions of the community.
A Procession Through the Saint's Places
The celebration culminates in a procession that crosses the historic center, starting from the Cathedral of San Rufino and passing by the Basilica of Saint Clare and the Sanctuary of San Damiano, a place linked to the saint's life. On the eve, the city is lit by torches, while at dawn on June 22nd, the sound of clarions and the ringing of bells recall the night of liberation. An event that allows residents and visitors to relive the deepest identity of the city of Clare and Francis.
Feast of the Vow — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Feast of the Vow of Saint Clare takes place on June 22, with the eve on June 21. The day opens at dawn with the sound of clarions (5:45 AM) and the ringing of bell towers (6:00 AM) in memory of the city's liberation from the Saracen assault of 1241.
In the evening, the civil and religious procession crosses the historic center, with the reading of the historical ordinance and the renewal of the municipal vow of 1644 by the mayor in Piazza del Comune.
Programme Feast of the Vow 2026
Sunday, June 21, 2026 — Vigil
The city is lit by torches in anticipation of the feast.
Monday, June 22, 2026 — Feast of the Vow
- 5:45 AM — Sound of clarions
- 6:00 AM — Ringing of bell towers in memory of the liberation of 1241
- 8:30 PM — Start of the procession from Piazza San Rufino, with celebration of Vespers
- Piazza del Comune — Reading of the historical ordinance and renewal of the vow by the mayor
- Basilica of Saint Clare — Floral tribute
- Sanctuary of San Damiano — Offering of candles and incense
The celebration is attended by the mayor, the bishop of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino, the Poor Clares, and the Provincial Minister of the Friars Minor.
Highlights Feast of the Vow 2026
Prices Feast of the Vow 2026
Practical information — Feast of the Vow
How to Get There
The celebrations take place in the historic center of Assisi. The city is reachable by train (Assisi-Santa Maria degli Angeli station, with buses to the center) and by car from the SS75. During the festival, the center is subject to traffic restrictions.
Tips
The evening procession starts from Piazza San Rufino. To witness the reading of the ordinance and the renewal of the vow, it is advisable to position yourself in Piazza del Comune. Information available at the Municipality's ceremonial office (tel. 075 8138641).
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Where does it take place — Feast of the Vow
Cattedrale di San Rufino, Basilica di Santa Chiara e Santuario di San Damiano
Piazza San Rufino, 06081 Assisi