Festa Decennale di San Tito
The festival held once every ten years: in 2026 the great centenary
About Festa Decennale di San Tito
A unique festival in the world, every ten years
The Festa Decennale di San Tito is an exceptional event that Casorate Sempione, a municipality in the Province of Varese near Malpensa, celebrates only once every ten years, in years ending with 6. After 2016, the event returns in 2026 with a special meaning: it is the centenary of the festival, which began in 1926. Its rarity makes it an event of strong emotional and identity value, awaited for an entire generation.
Origins: a festival to unite the town
The tradition began in 1926, when Don Luigi Mariani conceived the celebration to mend a community divided between fascists, socialists, and Catholics, using devotion to San Tito as a social glue. The relics of the saint—a Roman deacon known for his charity towards the poor—had arrived in Casorate in the 17th century, but it was only with the 1926 festival that their popular veneration took shape. Since then, every ten years, the town stops to honour its patron.
The million handmade flowers
The most spectacular symbol of the festival is the paper and plastic flowers: thousands of flowers handmade by the inhabitants of the districts (rioni) to decorate the 19 streets of the centre. Crepe paper, recycled plastic, dyed nylon stockings, tin foil, and every possible material are used, in a collective effort that begins at least two years before the event. The entire town, district by district, transforms into a hub of creativity and community.
Cannon shots, processions, and risotto
The programme alternates religious moments and popular festivities over ten days of celebrations. Cannon shots officially inaugurate the festival, solemn processions carry the urn with the relics of San Tito through the streets, while concerts, shows, comedy acts, and fireworks liven up the evenings. Not to be missed is the risotto served in the piazza, the symbolic dish of Casorate's conviviality. The 2016 edition attracted about one hundred thousand visitors to a town of five thousand inhabitants, testifying to the extraordinary appeal of this decennial festival in the Varese region.
Festa Decennale di San Tito — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Festa Decennale di San Tito is one of the most anticipated ever: it coincides with the centenary of the festival, which began in 1926. From September 3 to 13, for ten days, Casorate Sempione transforms with its districts decorated by over a million paper and plastic flowers handmade over two years of preparation. Cannon shots officially open the festival, solemn processions carry the urn with the saint's relics through the streets, and the programme alternates religious moments with concerts, comedy shows, performances, and the traditional risotto in the piazza.
Programme Festa Decennale di San Tito 2026
The detailed programme for the centenary, day by day, will be published by the parish and the district committee in the weeks preceding the event. Based on the decennial tradition, the festival structure includes:
Opening — September 3
- Inaugural cannon shots
- Unveiling of the districts' floral decorations along the 19 streets of the centre
During the ten days
- Solemn processions with the urn containing the relics of San Tito
- Religious celebrations and solemn masses
- Evening concerts, shows, and comedy acts
- Fireworks
- The grand risotto in the piazza
- Visits to the districts decorated with the million handmade flowers
Closing — September 13
- Concluding centenary celebrations
In the preceding months, the districts organize introductory events and fundraising activities, such as the community dinners 'Rioni in festa' (Districts celebrating).
Highlights Festa Decennale di San Tito 2026
Prices Festa Decennale di San Tito 2026
Practical information — Festa Decennale di San Tito
When
From September 3 to 13, 2026 (the festival is held only once every ten years).
Where
Historic centre of Casorate Sempione (VA) and Church of San Tito.
Costs
Free admission to the celebrations and district decorations. Some gastronomic activities are paid.
How to get there
By car from the A8 (exit towards Gallarate/Sesto Calende) or from the SS33 del Sempione; the town is a few minutes from Malpensa airport. Nearest train stations: Gallarate or Sesto Calende.
Tip
As this is a decennial event with large crowds, it is advisable to plan your visit and any overnight stays in the Varese area in advance.
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Where does it take place — Festa Decennale di San Tito
Centro di Casorate Sempione e Chiesa di San Tito
Centro storico, 21011 Casorate Sempione