Festa patronale di San Paterniano
The patron saint of Fano and the diocese celebrated every July 10th between faith and tradition
About San Paterniano
The festival of Fano's patron saint
On July 10th, Fano celebrates Saint Paternian, the city's bishop who lived in the 4th century and died, according to tradition, in 360 AD. The date of the festival coincides with the translation of the Saint's relics, which took place on July 10th, 1551, from their original burial place to the current Basilica dedicated to him. Saint Paternian is the patron saint not only of the city of Fano, in the Province of Pesaro and Urbino, but of the entire Diocese of Fano Fossombrone Cagli Pergola, and his festival has been one of the most cherished events by the Marche community for centuries.
The heart of the festival: the Basilica of San Paterniano
The focal point of the celebrations is the Basilica of San Paterniano, in Piazza Sansovino, a Renaissance jewel built between 1547 and 1558, with contributions attributed to Jacopo Sansovino. Today, the Basilica is entrusted to the Capuchin Friars of the Marche, who animate the festivities each year. During the festival days, the church remains open until late evening to welcome the faithful and pilgrims who come from all over the diocese.
Between faith and community
The festival of Saint Paternian has always intertwined the spiritual dimension with the popular one. Alongside the preparatory triduum, the day full of holy masses, and the solemn procession through the streets of the historic center, the people of Fano gather for more convivial moments: the famous Tombola di San Paterniano in Piazza XX Settembre, accompanied by the Città di Fano band, the charity raffle, and the market set up at the Basilica, with proceeds supporting the Capuchin friars' charitable works and missions.
An identity event
- When: every year on July 10th, preceded by the triduum on July 7th-8th-9th.
- Where: Basilica di San Paterniano (Piazza Sansovino) and the historic center of Fano.
- What: liturgical celebrations, procession, organ and sacred music concerts, tombola (bingo), market, and charity raffle.
- For whom: faithful, families, tourists, and curious visitors discovering the traditions of the Marche coast.
Participating in the festival of Saint Paternian means entering the heart of Fano's identity: a day when the city rediscovers its roots, between the solemnity of the liturgy and the warmth of a community that has renewed its devotion to its patron saint for almost five centuries.
San Paterniano — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the patronal festival of Saint Paternian falls on Friday, July 10th. As per established tradition, the solemnity is preceded by a preparatory triduum on July 7th, 8th, and 9th, with an evening mass followed by sacred music concerts (in past years, organ concerts, accordion concerts, and flute and harp concerts) in the Basilica in Piazza Sansovino. On July 10th, the day is marked by numerous holy masses from morning to evening, with the solemn celebration presided over by the Bishop and the participation of city authorities, as well as the procession with the Saint's statue through the streets of the historic center. On the civil side, the Tombola di San Paterniano returns to Piazza XX Settembre, animated by the Città di Fano band, along with the charity raffle and market set up at the Basilica, with proceeds going to charity.
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be published in the weeks preceding the event by the Diocese of Fano and the Basilica of San Paterniano.
Programme San Paterniano 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be announced by the Diocese of Fano and the Basilica of San Paterniano in the weeks preceding the festival. The recurring structure of the celebrations includes:
Preparatory Triduum — July 7, 8, and 9
- 6:30 PM — Holy Mass in the Basilica of San Paterniano
- 9:15 PM — Sacred music concert (organ, accordion, flute and harp depending on the edition)
Feast Day — Friday, July 10
- Holy Masses throughout the morning (approximate times: 7:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM)
- 11:15 AM — Solemn Holy Mass presided over by the Bishop with city authorities
- Afternoon and evening Masses (approximate times: 5:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 9:15 PM)
- Procession with the statue of Saint Paternian through the streets of the historic center
- In the evening, Tombola di San Paterniano in Piazza XX Settembre with the Città di Fano band
The indicated times follow the schedule of previous editions and may be updated in the official 2026 program.
Highlights San Paterniano 2026
- The solemn procession with the statue of Saint Paternian through the historic center of Fano
- The solemn Holy Mass presided over by the Bishop in the Renaissance Basilica of Piazza Sansovino
- The sacred music concerts of the triduum in the Basilica
- The historic Tombola di San Paterniano in Piazza XX Settembre with the Città di Fano band
Prices San Paterniano 2026
Practical information — San Paterniano
How to get there
The Basilica of San Paterniano is located in Piazza Sansovino, in the historic center of Fano, a short walk from Piazza XX Settembre. By train, Fano station is on the Adriatic line Bologna-Lecce, about a 10-minute walk from the center. By car, take the Fano exit from the A14 motorway, then follow signs for the city center (parking near the historic walls).
Admission
Participation in religious celebrations and festival events is free. For the tombola and charity raffle, tickets are available for a symbolic donation, with proceeds going to charity.
Information
Basilica di San Paterniano, tel. +39 0721 803616 — www.basilicasanpaterniano.it. For the diocesan religious program: www.fanodiocesi.it.
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Where does it take place — San Paterniano
Basilica di San Paterniano
Piazza Sansovino 2, 61032 Fano