Festa del Voto di Santa Chiara
The procession that commemorates the liberation of Assisi thanks to Saint Clare
About Festa del Voto
A promise that spans the centuries
The Festa del Voto di Santa Chiara is one of the most historically significant anniversaries 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 each year. Since then, on June 22nd, the mayor publicly renews this promise, reading the historic 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 centre, starting from the Cathedral of San Rufino and passing by the Basilica of Santa Chiara 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 the *chiarine* (clarions) and the tolling of bells recall the night of liberation. An event that allows residents and visitors to relive the most profound identity of the city of Clare and Francis.
Festa del Voto — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Festa del Voto di Santa Chiara takes place on June 22nd, with the eve on June 21st. The day opens at dawn with the sound of the *chiarine* (clarions) (5:45 AM) and the tolling of the church bells (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 centre, with the reading of the historic ordinance and the renewal of the 1644 communal vow by the mayor in Piazza del Comune.
Programme Festa del Voto 2026
Sunday, June 21, 2026 — Vigil
The city is lit by torches in anticipation of the festival.
Monday, June 22, 2026 — Festa del Voto
- 5:45 AM — Sound of the *chiarine*
- 6:00 AM — Tolling of the church bells in memory of the liberation of 1241
- 8:30 PM — Start of the procession from Piazza San Rufino, with the celebration of Vespers
- Piazza del Comune — Reading of the historic ordinance and renewal of the vow by the mayor
- Basilica of Santa Chiara — Floral tribute
- Sanctuary of San Damiano — Offering of candles and incense
The mayor, the bishop of Assisi-Nocera Umbra-Gualdo Tadino, the Poor Clares, and the Provincial Minister of the Friars Minor participate in the celebration.
Highlights Festa del Voto 2026
Prices Festa del Voto 2026
Practical information — Festa del Voto
How to get there
The celebrations take place in the historic centre of Assisi. The city is reachable by train (Assisi-Santa Maria degli Angeli station, with buses to the centre) and by car from the SS75. During the festival, the centre 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 at the Municipality's ceremonial office (tel. 075 8138641).
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Where does it take place — Festa del Voto
Cattedrale di San Rufino, Basilica di Santa Chiara e Santuario di San Damiano
Piazza San Rufino, 06081 Assisi