Festa di San Bellino – Patrono della Diocesi di Adria-Rovigo
Edition 2026 Sacred music Heritage History

Festa di San Bellino – Patrono della Diocesi di Adria-Rovigo

The solemnity of the principal patron of the Diocese of Adria-Rovigo

Adria — Rovigo (029) Since 1774
Dates 27 Nov — 27 Nov 2026
Location Adria (029)
Prices Free
Status

About San Bellino

The Festa di San Bellino celebrates the principal patron of the Diocese of Adria-Rovigo, and of the city and province of Rovigo. On November 26th, the anniversary of the saint's death, a tradition dating back to 1774 is renewed, when Pope Clement XIII elevated the church housing the martyr bishop's remains to a basilica. The day features a solemn mass presided over by the Bishop in the Basilica of San Bellino and a meeting with the mayors of the diocese, in a celebration that intertwines faith, history, and the identity of the Polesine region.

The patron saint of Polesine

San Bellino is the principal patron saint of the Diocese of Adria-Rovigo, as well as of the city and province of Rovigo. Bishop of Padua, according to tradition, he was killed in 1145 near Fratta Polesine by assassins from the Capodivacca family, during a pilgrimage to Rome.

An ancient solemnity

In 1774, Pope Clement XIII elevated the church housing his remains, in the village named after him, to a basilica, decreeing that November 26th – the anniversary of his death – should be celebrated as the saint's feast day. Since then, the occasion has marked one of the most heartfelt religious events in the area.

The day of celebration

The central moment is the solemn mass presided over by the Bishop in the Basilica of San Bellino, with the diocesan clergy, alongside the meeting of the Bishop with the mayors of the diocese. In the evening, a celebration for the patron saint takes place in the Cathedral of Rovigo. A day that unites the ecclesial and civil community of Polesine.

San Bellino — edition 2026

In 2026, the solemnity of San Bellino is scheduled for November 27th, moved from the 26th due to its coincidence with the feast of Christ the King: a solemn mass in the Basilica presided over by the Bishop and a meeting with the diocese's mayors.

For 2026, the solemnity of San Bellino is scheduled for Friday, November 27th, moved from the usual November 26th due to its coincidence with the solemnity of Christ the King. The day revolves around the solemn mass in the Basilica of San Bellino, presided over by the Bishop with the diocesan clergy, and the meeting of the Bishop with the mayors of the diocese.

Programme San Bellino 2026

November 27, 2026 — Basilica of San Bellino

  • 11:00 AM — Solemn mass presided over by the Bishop in the Basilica of San Bellino, with the diocesan clergy
  • 5:00 PM — Meeting of the Bishop with the mayors of the diocese
  • Popular tradition: dogs with red ribbons around their necks in honor of the patron saint

Final times and details will be published by the Diocese of Adria-Rovigo closer to the date.

Highlights San Bellino 2026

The Bishop's solemn mass in the basilica and the tradition of dogs with red ribbons.

Prices San Bellino 2026

Free admission to celebrations.

Practical information — San Bellino

Where

Basilica of San Bellino (town of San Bellino, RO) and Cathedral of Rovigo.

Info

Diocese of Adria-Rovigo, website diocesiadriarovigo.it.

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Where does it take place — San Bellino

Basilica di San Bellino e Cattedrale di Rovigo

Basilica di San Bellino, 45011 Adria

Contact San Bellino

San Bellino in brief

Sacred music Heritage History Folk traditions Folklore Outdoor Rovigo

History of San Bellino