Festival of the Holy Anaunian Martyrs

A tradition dating back to 1927

The Festival of the Holy Anaunian Martyrs is the most significant event of the year for Sanzeno, a small town in the Val di Non, located in the Province of Trento in the heart of Trentino-Alto Adige. Every first Sunday of September, the village commemorates the moment in 1927 when the relics of the three holy martyrs finally returned to Sanzeno after more than 1,500 years of safekeeping in Milan at the Basilica of San Simpliciano. Since then, the community has celebrated this anniversary with a festival that blends religious devotion with the valley's cultural identity.

The Martyrs of Anaunia

Sisinio, Martirio, and Alessandro were three evangelizers of Cappadocian origin sent to Anaunia—the ancient name for Val di Non—to spread Christianity. On May 29, 397 AD, they were killed during a pagan uprising. Their relics, consisting of ribs preserved in an ancient processional reliquary, became objects of great veneration and are now kept in the basilica that bears their name.

The Procession and Solemn Mass

The heart of the festival is the afternoon procession, which traditionally departs at 3:00 PM from the Church of Santa Maria in the town center and reaches the Basilica of the Holy Anaunian Martyrs. This structure is one of the most important late-Gothic monuments in Trentino, built starting in 1480 on the site of the martyrdom. Inside the basilica, a Solemn Mass is celebrated, presided over by the Archbishop of Trento, Monsignor Lauro Tisi, and concelebrated by the parish priests of the Valli del Noce pastoral zone. The choirs of Val di Non and Val di Sole accompany the liturgy with hymns, giving the celebration a powerful communal spirit.

A festival for two valleys

The festival is dedicated in particular to the parishes of Val di Non and Val di Sole, which are united in the Valli del Noce pastoral zone. It is more than just a liturgical rite; it is a gathering for the inhabitants of neighboring villages who come to Sanzeno to pay homage to the valley's patron saints and reconnect with their shared history.

Sanzeno and Val di Non

Situated on a wide panoramic terrace overlooking the valley, the Municipality of Sanzeno is one of the most historically rich locations in Val di Non. In addition to the basilica, the area is home to the famous Sanctuary of San Romedio, perched on a cliff, as well as significant archaeological sites. Visitors attending the festival can combine the religious experience with the discovery of a landscape defined by apple orchards, forests, and ancient villages typical of Trentino.

Dates for the 2026 edition

The festival is traditionally held on the first Sunday of September. The dates and detailed program for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced; it is recommended to check for updates with the Sanzeno parish and the Val di Non tourist offices in the weeks leading up to the event.