Patron Saint Festival of Saint Donatus

Saint Donatus, Patron of Sessano del Molise

Sessano del Molise, a small municipality in the province of Isernia nestled among the woods of Alto Molise, celebrates its patron saint Saint Donatus the Martyr on August 7th. The patronal feast is the most anticipated moment of the year for the community: an occasion for faith, but also a reunion for the many Sessano families scattered around the world who return to the village for the summer.

A Village in Alto Molise

The origins of the settlement date back to the Norman era, when it was known as Saxana, perhaps referring to the rocky terrain. The village retains the parish church of the Assumption (1742) and the small church of Santa Maria degli Angeli (1606). The festival of Saint Donatus takes place around the parish church, on Via della Chiesa, and involves the entire historic center.

Faith and Celebrations

The program alternates the religious dimension — solemn mass and procession with the saint's effigy through the village streets — with evening civil celebrations. Admission is free and the festival is open to all citizens and visitors. It is an opportunity to discover an authentic corner of Alto Molise and its traditional cuisine, made up of dishes like 'cappuccia', stuffed artichokes, and 'fiadone'.