Festa dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo

The patrons of Muggia

June 26th is a special date for Muggia: it is the day of Saints John and Paul, patrons of the town. The cathedral, built in the second half of the 13th century in the Burgus Lauri and consecrated in 1263, is dedicated to them, serving as the spiritual and architectural heart of the historic centre. The patronal feast is one of the most identity-defining events for the Muggia community, capable of uniting religious devotion and popular tradition.

The procession through the narrow streets

On the day of the patrons, the solemn Mass opens the celebrations, followed by the procession that winds through the streets and narrow alleys of the historic centre, suggestively decorated with banners on the windows. By tradition, the procession starts from Piazza Marconi, winds along Riva De Amicis and the alleys of the ancient village, and then returns to the cathedral square. It is a moment of strong intensity, in which the Venetian town overlooking the Adriatic rediscovers its roots.

A tradition guarded by historic families

The most characteristic element is the privilege of four historic Muggia families, who hold and defend the right to carry the statues of the saints on their shoulders during the procession. They are joined by women in traditional costume, a testament to deep roots in the community. The Feast of Saints John and Paul is thus a living heritage of the Municipality of Muggia (Province of Trieste), the only strip of Istria remaining Italian.