Festa Patronale di San Basso
The festival of the patron saint of Termoli and its fishermen, with a evocative sea procession on fishing boats
About San Basso
The Patron Saint of Fishermen
The Festa di San Basso is the most cherished celebration in Termoli, in the province of Campobasso. Saint Basso, a bishop and martyr, is the patron saint of the city and the entire diocese of Termoli-Larino: according to tradition, his relics were found at sea by fishermen, which is why his festival is deeply linked to the city's maritime world.
The Sea Procession
The most evocative moment is the sea procession: the statue of Saint Basso is boarded onto a fishing boat and accompanied by a flotilla of vessels that leave the port and sail along the coast. The bishop and the mayor take their places on separate boats, while the band plays music from another vessel to accompany the procession. Tradition dictates the laying of a laurel wreath at sea in memory of lost sailors. It all begins with a solemn mass in the Cathedral of Santa Maria della Purificazione, in the Old Town.
Between Faith and Celebration
Alongside the religious dimension, the festival is enhanced by music, shows, and major concerts at the Arena del Mare as part of the Estate Termolese (Termoli Summer Festival), as well as a fireworks display over the sea. It is the heart of the Termoli summer, attracting thousands of people, including residents, emigrants returning for the occasion, and tourists from the Molise coast.
San Basso — edition 2026
The 2026 celebrations in honor of San Basso, patron saint of Termoli and its fishermen, are concentrated in the first days of August. The program alternates solemn liturgical services in the Cathedral of the Old Town, the famous sea procession with fishing boats, moments of music and entertainment along the waterfront, and major concerts of the Estate Termolese at the Arena del Mare, with a fireworks display to conclude the night of celebration.
Programme San Basso 2026
August 3-4 — Solemnity and Sea Procession
- Liturgical festivities in the Cathedral of Santa Maria della Purificazione
- Morning (9 AM) — Sea procession: the statue of Saint Basso leaves the port on fishing boats, accompanied by the flotilla, the bishop, and the mayor; laying of a laurel wreath at sea
- Evening — Procession from the port to the Old Town
- Solemn pontifical mass in Piazza Duomo (6:30 PM)
August 4 — San Basso Music Fest
- 7 PM — San Basso Music Fest in the port–Rio Vivo area, with music and shows
August 5 — Concert and Fireworks
- Free concert by Clementino at the Arena del Mare 42°15°
- Midnight — Fireworks display at the tourist port
Note: the solemn procession with the saint's urn is held every five years.
Highlights San Basso 2026
Prices San Basso 2026
Practical information — San Basso
How to get there
Termoli is reachable by train (Adriatic line) and by car from the A14 motorway (Termoli-San Severo exit). The sea procession departs from the port; religious celebrations take place in the Cathedral in the Old Town.
Information
Program available on diocesitermolilarino.it and estatetermolese.com.
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Where does it take place — San Basso
Cattedrale di Termoli, porto e Borgo Antico
Piazza Duomo, 86039 Termoli