Festival of Patron Saints Nicander, Marcian and Daria
The three martyrs of 303 AD, principal patrons of Isernia and the Diocese
About Patron Saints Isernia
The Martyr Patrons of Isernia
Saints Nicander, Marcian, and Daria are the principal patrons of Isernia and the entire Diocese of Isernia-Venafro. According to tradition, the three were martyrs beheaded in 303 AD during the persecution by Emperor Diocletian: Daria was the wife of Nicander, a Christian soldier, and Marcian was his companion. In 313 AD, a basilica was built at the site of their martyrdom, where their relics are still kept today.
Three Days of Celebration
The main feast day is June 17th, but the celebrations extend from June 16th to 18th. On the evening of the 16th, the silver bust of Saint Nicander and the relics of the martyrs are carried in procession from the Church of the Annunciation to the basilica, followed by solemn vespers presided over by the Bishop.
The Rite of the City Keys
On June 17th, the solemnity day, the entire day is marked by Masses and culminates in the solemn Pontifical Mass, during which an ancient civic and religious rite is renewed: the handing over of the city keys and candles to the Bishop by the mayor, a centuries-old gesture that seals the bond between the civil community and its patrons. The faithful also await the miracle of the Holy Manna, the liquid that, according to tradition, flows from the tomb of Saint Nicander.
The Grand Final Procession
On the evening of June 18th, a long and well-attended procession escorts the Patron Saints back from the basilica to the Church of the Annunciation, with thousands of faithful and the traditional popular hymn composed in 1881, in one of the strongest identity events of the capital of Molise.
Patron Saints Isernia — edition 2026
The Festival of Patron Saints Nicander, Marcian, and Daria 2026 is celebrated in Isernia from June 16th to 18th, with the solemnity on June 17th.
On the evening of June 16th, the silver bust of Saint Nicander and the relics of the martyrs are carried in procession from the Church of the Annunciation to the basilica, followed by solemn vespers presided over by Bishop Camillo Cibotti. On June 17th, amidst the day's Masses, the highlight is the solemn Pontifical Mass with the renewal of the ancient rite of the handing over of the city keys and candles to the Bishop by the mayor. On the evening of June 18th, the long final procession escorts the Patrons from the basilica to the Annunciation, with thousands of faithful and the popular hymn from 1881.
Programme Patron Saints Isernia 2026
Tuesday, June 16th
- Afternoon/Evening — Procession of the silver bust of Saint Nicander and relics from the Church of the Annunciation to the basilica
- Following — Solemn vespers presided over by Bishop Camillo Cibotti
Wednesday, June 17th — Solemnity of the Patron Saints
- Holy Masses throughout the day
- Solemn Pontifical Mass with the rite of handing over the city keys and candles to the Bishop by the mayor
- Anticipation of the miracle of the Holy Manna at the tomb of Saint Nicander
Thursday, June 18th
- Evening — Solemn procession of the Patron Saints from the basilica to the Church of the Annunciation with the popular hymn from 1881
Highlights Patron Saints Isernia 2026
The rite of handing over the city keys to the Bishop during the Pontifical Mass on June 17th; the procession of the silver bust; the grand final procession on June 18th.
Prices Patron Saints Isernia 2026
Practical information — Patron Saints Isernia
How to Get Here
The basilica and the Church of the Annunciation are located in Isernia, reachable by car via the SS17 and SS650 Trignina roads, and by train on the Rome-Campobasso-Isernia line. The historic center is walkable.
Tips
Traffic diversions are expected during the processions. All celebrations are free and open to the faithful; for updated schedules, consult the website of the Diocese of Isernia-Venafro.
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Where does it take place — Patron Saints Isernia
Basilica dei Santi Martiri e chiesa dell'Annunziata
Basilica dei Santi Cosma e Damiano, 86170 Isernia