Festa Patronale di Sant'Anna

The festival of Corinaldo's patron saint

The Festa Patronale di Sant'Anna is one of the most cherished events of the summer in Corinaldo, one of Italy's most beautiful villages nestled in the hills of the province of Ancona, in the Marche region. Every year, around July 26th, the town pays homage to its patron saint with two days that blend religious and popular traditions, enlivening the characteristic Borgo di Sotto and the Church of Sant'Anna.

A centuries-old devotion

Sant'Anna was elected protector of the Corinaldo community as early as the 16th century, a choice officially recognized by the Sacred Congregation of Rites on March 20, 1728. The Church of Sant'Anna, built in the early decades of the 16th century by the hospital order of Santo Spirito and rebuilt in the second half of the 18th century, houses a valuable late 15th-century fresco depicting Saint Anne with the Virgin and Child, attributed to Francesco di Gentile da Fabriano. It is in this place that the most solemn moments of the festival are concentrated.

Two days of faith and tradition

The celebrations typically begin on the eve of the feast day with the "CorrilnAlto" running race, organized by the Associazione Camminamici, followed by a mass dedicated to grandparents, expectant mothers, and children. The main day is July 26th, with morning religious services in the Church of Sant'Anna and, in the afternoon, the opening of the Antico Mercato di Sant'Anna and the market of artisans and craftspeople, which animate the Borgo di Sotto until late evening.

• Antico Mercato di Sant'Anna and artisans' market in Borgo di Sotto
• Street food and evening convivial moments
• Historical procession with authorities, historical groups, and the winning district of the Contesa del Pozzo della Polenta (Festival of the Polenta Well)
• Solemn Eucharistic celebration of the patron saint, led by the parish choir
• Evening comedy show and traditional charity lottery draw

A community festival

Organized by the Municipality of Corinaldo in collaboration with the Pro Loco (local tourism board), the Parish, the Associazione Pozzo della Polenta, and numerous local organizations, the Festa di Sant'Anna is much more than a religious observance: it's an opportunity to rediscover the sense of belonging to the community. The charity collection for the Corinaldo Missionaries accompanies both days, confirming the spirit of solidarity that characterizes the event. The festival is part of the "Estate d'Incanto" (Enchanting Summer) calendar, and admission to all events is free.