Festival of Saint Bernardino of Siena
The popular and religious festival of the Castiglioni district, between faith, tradition, and conviviality
About Saint Bernardino Festival
A District Festival in the Heart of Piceno
In the Castiglioni district, a small hamlet in the Municipality of Castignano in the province of Ascoli Piceno, the Festival of Saint Bernardino of Siena is one of those events that keep the soul of the Marche villages alive. For a few days, around the ancient sanctuary, the community comes together in a festival that blends the religious and popular dimensions: the faith of the devotees and the desire to be together, masses and tournaments, the procession and live music.
The Sanctuary and Devotion to Saint Bernardino
The heart of the festival is the Sanctuary of Saint Bernardino of Siena, a church of medieval origins formerly known as Santa Maria della Pieve: the earliest mention dates back to 1279. Its current dedication to the Franciscan saint dates back to 1817, when, during the post-Napoleonic territorial reorganization, Castiglioni was detached from Appignano and assigned to Castignano. Popular tradition holds that Saint Bernardino passed through and stayed at the nearby Franciscan convent of San Francesco al "Gallo". Even today, the sanctuary houses numerous ex-votos and photographs of devotees, a testament to an enduring popular devotion.
Between Sacred and Popular
The festival alternates moments of reflection with moments of pure fun. Solemn masses mark the days, culminating in the procession on Pentecost Sunday, accompanied by the Castignano City Music Band and followed by the traditional blessing of the fields, a gesture that speaks of this land's deep connection with agriculture. Alongside the religious program, there are table football tournaments, cross-country races for children, a briscola card game competition, karaoke, and musical afternoons.
Flavors and Fun for Everyone
- Food stalls with local specialties: arrosticini, fries, and draft beer
- Popular games and inflatables for the little ones
- Musical afternoons and evening karaoke
- Fireworks to close the main day
Organized by the Friends of Saint Bernardino Association together with the local parish, the festival is an authentic example of how, in the hamlets of Piceno, religious tradition becomes an occasion for the entire community to gather. A genuine experience for those who want to discover the most authentic Marche, far from the tourist trails.
Saint Bernardino Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition, as tradition dictates, combined the religious and popular programs. The celebrations involved numerous priests and the presence of the bishop, while Pentecost Sunday saw the highlight with the procession and the blessing of the fields. There was no shortage of festive moments: tournaments, karaoke, children's games, food stalls, and fireworks.
Programme Saint Bernardino Festival 2026
Wednesday, May 20
- Holy Masses: 8:00 AM (Father Antonio Porfiri), 9:30 AM (with Bishop Gianpiero Palmieri), 11:00 AM (Father Filippo Maria Caioni), and 6:30 PM (Father Dino Mascioni)
Saturday, May 23
- 3:00 PM — Table football tournament
- 4:00 PM — Cross-country race for children
- Musical afternoon with "Alessio", snack, and briscola competition with prizes
- 6:30 PM — Holy Mass (Don Giuseppe Capecci)
- Opening of the food stall and evening karaoke with Oreste
Sunday, May 24 (Pentecost)
- Holy Masses: 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM, and 6:30 PM
- Procession accompanied by the "Città di Castignano" Music Band and blessing of the fields
- From 4:00 PM — Musical afternoon, popular games, and inflatables for children
- Food stalls and fireworks (Alessi company) to close
The District Bar remained open from the morning. Among the specialties at the stalls: arrosticini, fries, and beer.
Highlights Saint Bernardino Festival 2026
Prices Saint Bernardino Festival 2026
Practical information — Saint Bernardino Festival
Where it takes place
The festival is held at the Sanctuary of Saint Bernardino of Siena, in Contrada Castiglioni, a hamlet of Castignano (AP), in the Piceno hinterland.
How to get there
By car: from Ascoli Piceno, Castignano can be reached in about 40 minutes by driving through the inland roads; from the Adriatic coast (San Benedetto del Tronto), head inland following signs for Offida and Castignano. The Castiglioni district is located in the countryside around the municipal seat. Car use is recommended, given the rural location.
Admission and costs
Admission to the festival is free. Food stalls and some activities are subject to charges according to the price list on site.
Tips
The festival typically takes place at the end of May, around the feast day of Saint Bernardino (May 20th) and Pentecost Sunday. Check the dates for the current edition with the parish or the Municipality of Castignano.
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Where does it take place — Saint Bernardino Festival
Santuario di San Bernardino da Siena, Contrada Castiglioni