Festa di San Giovanni Battista – Patrono di Monza

The patron saint of Monza

The Feast of St. John the Baptist is the patronal festival par excellence in Monza, the capital of Brianza. The saint, celebrated on June 24th, is the city's protector, and the celebrations in his honour extend over about a month, animating Monza with a rich calendar of religious, historical, and popular events.

Theodolinda's history and reenactments

The festival is closely linked to the Lombard history of Monza, a city dear to Queen Theodolinda. Among the most evocative events are the religious ceremonies and the historical procession in Theodolinda costume, which brings the city's medieval past back to life. These are complemented by the St. John's market and the fair, moments of popular tradition that have accompanied the patronal festival for centuries.

The "mazzolino di San Giovanni"

Among the most beloved traditions is the "mazzolino di San Giovanni", a bunch of aromatic herbs for good luck, linked to ancient rites of St. John's Eve. In recent years, the traditional fireworks in Monza Park have been suspended for environmental and economic reasons, but the festival keeps alive its dimension as a collective ritual and historical memory. For the people of Monza, St. John is much more than a religious occasion: it is the very identity of the city that is renewed each year.

What to expect

• Religious ceremonies for the patron saint St. John the Baptist
• Historical procession in Theodolinda costume
• St. John's market and fair
• The lucky tradition of the "mazzolino di San Giovanni"