On September 8th, Vicenza's patronal festival at the Sanctuary of Monte Berico
The Madonna di Monte Berico is the principal patron saint of Vicenza and the Diocese. On September 8th, the feast of the Nativity of Mary, the city gathers around the Sanctuary of Monte Berico, a place of devotion since the 15th century, when the Virgin appeared to Vincenza Pasini during the plague of 1426.
The festival is marked by numerous masses celebrated at the Sanctuary throughout the day, from the dawn vigil to the solemn mid-morning mass. The previous day, the diocesan pilgrimage ascends the hill on foot with the recitation of the Rosary, drawing thousands of faithful — in the past, up to thirty thousand — along the famous monumental portico.
Alongside the spiritual dimension, September 8th is also a city-wide celebration: in the Campo Marzo area, at the foot of the hill, a funfair with rides, stalls, cotton candy, and fritters accompanies the day. The civic museums remain open to celebrate the patron saint. An event that intertwines devotion, identity, and popular tradition in the heart of Vicenza.
On September 8th, 2026, Vicenza will celebrate the feast of its patron saint, the Madonna di Monte Berico. The day will be marked by numerous masses at the Sanctuary, from the dawn vigil to the solemn mass, while the previous day the diocesan pilgrimage will ascend towards the Berico hill.
At the foot of the hill, in the Campo Marzo area, the funfair with rides, cotton candy, and fritters will accompany the popular festival. The 2026 edition is part of the Marian Jubilee Year "Monte Berico 600" pilgrimage, celebrating six centuries since the Marian apparitions of 1426.
Detailed schedules to be confirmed by the Sanctuary in the days preceding the festival.
The Sanctuary of Monte Berico can be reached on foot from the center of Vicenza along the monumental portico of Viale X Giugno. The Campo Marzo area, where the funfair is located, is near the train station.
Religious celebrations have free admission. Funfair attractions are paid.
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Santuario di Monte Berico
Viale X Giugno 87, 36100 Vicenza