Festival of Saint Anthony Abbot at the Lazzaretto
Historical-religious re-enactment and peasant village at the Lazzaretto of Saronno
About Saint Anthony at the Lazzaretto
A festival of faith and peasant tradition
The Festival of Saint Anthony Abbot at the Lazzaretto is one of Saronno's most characteristic winter events, located in the province of Varese. Dedicated to the hermit saint, protector of domestic animals and farm work, the festival takes place in the Lazzaretto district, around Gabriele D'Annunzio street and the Holy Family oratory, combining religious observance, historical re-enactment, and folk culture.
The peasant village and ancient crafts
The heart of the event is the reconstructed peasant village, which opens its courtyards with artisans at work, showcases ancient crafts, traditional games, and local products. A tavern offers traditional Lombard dishes, from slow-cooked polenta to local cheeses, with mulled wine to warm up winter days.
The historical parade
Among the most anticipated moments is the historical costume parade, which stages centuries of history with hundreds of participants in period costumes. It's the most spectacular part of the festival, carefully organized by the Comitato Gruppo Storico Sant'Antoni da Saronn, bringing rural and religious life scenes from the past back to life.
The blessing of animals and the bonfire
The festival concludes with tradition in the form of the blessing of animals and agricultural machinery, and the great Saint Anthony's bonfire, a propitiatory rite that, according to peasant tradition, marks the transition from winter. The event is held under the patronage of the Municipality of Saronno and the Ministry of Culture.
Saint Anthony at the Lazzaretto — edition 2026
The 17th edition of the Festival of Saint Anthony Abbot at the Lazzaretto enlivens Saronno from January 10 to 17, 2026. A week of events combining historical re-enactment, peasant traditions, and popular devotion, organized by the Comitato Gruppo Storico Sant'Antoni da Saronn with the patronage of the Municipality of Saronno and the Ministry of Culture.
Programme Saint Anthony at the Lazzaretto 2026
Saturday, January 10 & Sunday, January 11 - Opening
- Opening of the re-enacted peasant village from 9:30 AM, with ancient crafts, games, and typical products
- Saturday: Clay modeling workshops and fireworks display at 9:15 PM
- Sunday: Historical parade at 3:00 PM, with over 600 costumed participants re-enacting six centuries of history (1300-1900)
Monday, January 12 to Wednesday, January 14 - Culture Week
- Guided tours for schools to discover ancient traditions
Saturday, January 17 - Closing Day
- Blessing of animals and agricultural machinery at 3:00 PM, with band accompaniment
- Saint Anthony's Bonfire at 9:15 PM
Throughout the festival, the tavern will be open with traditional Lombard dishes (polenta, cheeses, mulled wine). Free admission.
Highlights Saint Anthony at the Lazzaretto 2026
The historical parade on Sunday, January 11, with over 600 participants, and the Saint Anthony's bonfire on the evening of January 17.
Prices Saint Anthony at the Lazzaretto 2026
Practical information — Saint Anthony at the Lazzaretto
Where
Lazzaretto district, via Gabriele D'Annunzio and oratory of the Holy Family, Saronno (VA).
When
In January, around the feast day of Saint Anthony Abbot (January 17th), with multiple program days.
Admission
Free and open to all.
How to get there
Saronno is reachable by train (Trenord and Ferrovienord lines) from Milan and Varese. The Lazzaretto is located in the eastern part of the city.
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Where does it take place — Saint Anthony at the Lazzaretto
Lazzaretto - Oratorio Sacra Famiglia
Lazzaretto, Via Gabriele D'Annunzio, 21047 Saronno