Festa di Sant'Alessandro — Patrono di Bergamo

The patron saint of Bergamo

Saint Alexander the Martyr is the patron saint of the city and Diocese of Bergamo. According to tradition, he was a soldier of the Theban Legion martyred in Bergamo: August 26th, the day of his martyrdom, is celebrated "in perpetuity" by the entire city. The patronal feast is an event that combines the religious dimension with the civil and popular one, deeply rooted in Bergamascan identity.

Religious celebrations

The heart of the festival is the solemn Eucharistic celebration on August 26th, at 10:30 AM in the Cathedral. In the afternoon, Vespers are scheduled for 5 PM in the Cathedral of Saint Alexander and, at 6:30 PM, the Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Bishop in the Basilica of Saint Alexander in Colonna. The initiatives are spread over several days, approximately from August 20th to September 1st.

The fair on the Sentierone

Alongside the religious celebrations, the festival comes alive with a fair in the heart of the lower city: the Sentierone is filled with stalls, street food, and live performances, with about thirty exhibitors offering gastronomic products and specialties. The stands are open from morning to evening until August 26th, giving the city a festive atmosphere.

A festival for the whole city

Music, theatrical performances, cultural initiatives, and the opening of museums complete the program. The Feast of Saint Alexander is an opportunity to experience Bergamo, in the Province of Bergamo, during one of the most heartfelt moments of the year, amidst faith, tradition, and conviviality in the heart of Lombardy.