Festival of Saint Anthony Abbot

The festival of a peasant saint

The Festival of Saint Anthony Abbot is the patronal festival of Ello, a small municipality in the Lecco Brianza area in the province of Lecco. Saint Anthony Abbot, celebrated on January 17th, is the protector of animals and the farming world: his festival preserves the intact link with rural civilization, made of fields, stables, and blessings.

Two days of liturgy and music

The celebration takes place over two days. On Saturday, it begins with confessions in the afternoon and the Vigil Mass, culminating in the evening with a baroque music concert by the trio Il Barocco Galante, held in the parish church and presented by the Franco Tanzi cultural association. On Sunday, after the first mass at the chapel of the Sisters of Reparation, the solemn liturgy led by the parish priest opens the most anticipated moment.

The blessing of salt, animals, and agricultural machinery

The heart of the festival is the traditional blessing of salt, animals, and agricultural machinery: a rite that invokes the saint's protection over farm work and still gathers farmers and families from the town today. Afterwards, an aperitif is offered by G.S. Ellese ODV and, throughout the day, apples are sold by the Comitato Santi Giacomo e Filippo, in a spirit of community celebration.

A living tradition

Organized by the parish along with local associations, the Festival of Saint Anthony Abbot is one of those events that keep the sense of community alive in a small town in Brianza. Sacred and popular intertwine, and the warmth of peasant tradition warms even the heart of the Lecco winter.