Festival of Saint Anthony Abbot — Fire of Saint Anthony
The rite of fire, the blessing of breads and animals, and the evening of 'maitunate' in the Sant'Antonio Abate district
About Saint Anthony Abbot
The Fire of Saint Anthony
The Festival of Saint Anthony Abbot is celebrated in Campobasso on January 17th, in the district and church dedicated to the saint. The most evocative moment is the lighting and blessing of the great fire on the parvis, an ancient rite linked to the patron saint of animals and livestock, a symbol of purification and good omen for the new year.
Rites, Breads, and Animals
The day begins with the Mass and blessing of the breads, continues with the blessing of the animals and the pilgrimage through the streets of the district, the rosary, and the evening Mass presided over by the Archbishop. The connection with the rural tradition of Molise is very strong: Saint Anthony Abbot has always been the saint to whom fields, stables, and domestic animals are entrusted.
The Evening of 'Maitunate'
To conclude the festival, an evening performance of folk songs and 'maitunate' — the traditional Molise begging and good-luck songs — with live music and moments of comedy. The food stalls, managed by the Scouts, offer the flavors of the Province of Campobasso, from 'cavatelli' with sausage sauce to cooked fava beans, in a festive atmosphere that warms the winter of the capital.
Saint Anthony Abbot — edition 2026
The Festival of Saint Anthony Abbot 2026 in Campobasso had the theme "Courage… the fire of peace will rise". The day of January 17th alternated religious rites in the Sant'Antonio Abate district with the evening popular festival. The food stalls of Scout Agesci CB5 offered 'cavatelli' with sausage sauce, cooked fava beans, and sausage sandwiches, with gluten-free versions available by reservation.
Programme Saint Anthony Abbot 2026
Saturday, January 17, 2026 — Church and Sant'Antonio Abate District
- 8:30 AM — Mass and blessing of the breads
- 9:30 AM — Lighting and blessing of the great fire on the parvis
- 11:00 AM — Celebration presided over by Hermit Luciano Proietti
- 12:00 PM — Blessing of the animals
- 5:00 PM — Pilgrimage through the streets of the district
- 5:30 PM — Rosary Prayer
- 6:00 PM — Evening Mass presided over by Archbishop Msgr. Biagio Colaianni
- 8:30 PM — Show "Ulesse areturnà a Sant'Antuóne" with folk songs and 'maitunate' (Nicola Mastropaolo, Antonio Mandato, Giuliano Civetta, Alessandro Serino, Amerigo Malzone, Costantino Recanatini, Ana di Iorio) and comedian guest 'Nduccio
Throughout the day, food stalls managed by Scout Agesci CB5.
Highlights Saint Anthony Abbot 2026
Prices Saint Anthony Abbot 2026
Practical information — Saint Anthony Abbot
Where and When
The festival takes place on January 17th in the Sant'Antonio Abate district, in Campobasso, around the church of the same name. Religious events and the evening performance have free admission. Gluten-free options from the food stalls require booking.
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Where does it take place — Saint Anthony Abbot
Chiesa e quartiere di Sant'Antonio Abate
Chiesa di Sant'Antonio Abate, 86100 Campobasso