Festival of the Vow
The procession that since 1631 renews the vow to the Madonna delle Grazie
About Festival of the Vow
A vow that spans the centuries
The Festa del Voto is the celebration that links Piove di Sacco and all of Saccisica to a dramatic episode in its history. In 1631, at the end of the terrible plague epidemic that struck northern Italy, the Community Council resolved to go in procession every year to the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie to give thanks for liberation from the contagion.
The procession of May 6th
For almost four centuries, every May 6th, the festival renews that vow. The procession starts from the Cathedral and reaches the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie, with the presentation of votive candles, the entry of authorities, and the religious celebration. It is a festival promoted by the secular institutions of the city, a sign of the deep civil and religious roots of this tradition.
A shared memory
The Festa del Voto involves all the municipalities of Saccisica, in the province of Padua, in a rite that intertwines faith, history, and the identity of an entire territory, passed down from generation to generation.
Festival of the Vow — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Festa del Voto falls on Wednesday, May 6th, marking the 396th anniversary of the vow made by the people of Piove to the Madonna delle Grazie in 1631. The day begins at 6:00 PM with the presentation of votive candles to the mayors in the council chamber, followed by the entry of authorities into the Cathedral and the mayor's greeting to the community.
At 6:30 PM, the procession starts, which, from the Cathedral, reaches the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where at 7:00 PM the concluding celebration is held. A tradition that has involved the entire Saccisica for almost four centuries.
Programme Festival of the Vow 2026
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
- 6:00 PM — Presentation of votive candles to the mayors in the council chamber
- Entry of authorities into the Cathedral and mayor's greeting to the community
- 6:30 PM — Start of the procession from the Cathedral
- 7:00 PM — Concluding celebration in the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie
Highlights Festival of the Vow 2026
Prices Festival of the Vow 2026
Practical information — Festival of the Vow
How to get there
Piove di Sacco can be reached from Padua in about 20 minutes by car (SP3) or by intercity buses. The procession connects the Cathedral to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie, in the historic center.
When
The festival is held every May 6th, with the procession in the late afternoon.
Notes
Free access religious and civil event.
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Where does it take place — Festival of the Vow
Cattedrale e Santuario di Santa Maria delle Grazie
Cattedrale e Santuario della Madonna delle Grazie, 35028 Piove di Sacco