Festival of Saint Emidius

A centuries-old festival in the heart of Piceno

The Festival of Saint Emidius is the most cherished event of the year for the city of Ascoli Piceno, in the Marche region. Saint Emidius, bishop and martyr of the 4th century, is the patron saint of the city and is revered as the protector from earthquakes: according to tradition, the violent earthquake that struck the Marche in 1703 miraculously spared Ascoli thanks to the intercession of its Protector. Since then, the city's devotion has never ceased, and the celebrations on August 5 represent the highest point of Ascoli's identity.

Ten days of celebrations

The festivities begin on July 26, coinciding with the Feast of Saint Anne, with the firing of cannons at the tolling of the Cathedral bells and the display of banners from the bell tower and the Town Hall. In the following days, the festival intertwines with the famous Quintana, the great historical re-enactment of the Municipality of Ascoli Piceno: the Offering of Candles to the patron saint and the August Joust, dedicated to Saint Emidius himself, serve as a prelude to the solemn day.

August 5: the Patron Saint's Day

The program for August 5 combines religious devotion and popular celebration. The day opens at dawn, around 5:30 AM, with the evocative blessing of the basil on the cathedral square, an aromatic plant that symbolizes the festival. This is followed by Holy Masses in the Cathedral and the solemn Pontifical Mass in the late morning. In the afternoon, the procession in honor of the patron saint takes place through the streets of the historic center, with the participation of civil and religious authorities and the faithful.

Civil program and fireworks display

On the civil front, the morning is dedicated to honoring the city authorities in Piazza Arringo and Piazza Simonetti and to the presentation of gifts to all citizens named Emidio and Emidia at the Loggiato of Palazzo Arengo. The Museum of Saint Emidius also opens to the public, at the Sant'Ilario alle Grotte complex, with guided tours of the catacombs.

• 9:00 PM – concert by the Piceno Pop Chorus in Piazza del Popolo
• 10:30 PM – folk music and dances with the group I Piceni Pizzicati at the Loggiato of Palazzo Arengo
• Midnight – drawing of the traditional Tombola of Saint Emidius in Piazza Arringo
• Following – grand fireworks display that concludes the festivities

The fireworks on the night of August 5 are the most anticipated and evocative moment: an open-air spectacle that every year attracts spectators from all over the province of Ascoli Piceno and from neighboring Abruzzo, illuminating the profile of the historic center and its medieval towers.