Patron Saint's Festival of Bentivoglio — Most Holy Mary Help of Christians
The patronal feast of Bentivoglio in the heart of the Bassa bolognese
About Festival of Mary Help of Christians
The Patron Saint's Festival of Bentivoglio
Bentivoglio, a small municipality in the Bassa bolognese area of the province of Bologna, in Emilia-Romagna, celebrates its patron saint, the Most Holy Mary Help of Christians, every year. Her liturgical feast day falls on May 24th. It's the most cherished event in the local calendar: a day when the community comes together, between faith and tradition, around the parish church named after Our Lady Help of Christians, on Via Marconi.
Between Devotion and Village Festival
The religious heart of the day is the solemn Eucharistic celebration and, following the custom of Emilian patronal feasts, the procession that carries the image of the patron saint through the streets of the town center. Around this devotional core grows the more popular and joyful part of the festival, which transforms Bentivoglio into a small, festive village for an entire day.
The Market on Via Marconi
The most anticipated moment for visitors is the large market that stretches along Via Marconi: stalls of creatives and hobbyists, vintage items, antiques, and local products from the area. A stroll among the stands, usually from the early morning hours until evening, is the ideal opportunity to browse local crafts, discover small productions, and taste the specialties of the Bassa bolognese. The organization of the exhibition area is managed by Agenzia Eventi LM Show, while the religious aspect is overseen by the parish of Maria Santissima Ausiliatrice.
Why It's Worth Visiting
The Patron Saint's Festival of Bentivoglio is not a major headline event: it's an authentic, village-scale festival where the spiritual and convivial dimensions coexist naturally. For those visiting the lands around Bologna — perhaps attracted by the nearby Museum of Peasant Civilization or the waterways of the plain — it's the perfect opportunity to experience the slow, welcoming rhythm of the most genuine Emilia-Romagna.
- Municipality: Bentivoglio (BO), Emilia-Romagna
- Patron Saint: Most Holy Mary Help of Christians (May 24th)
- Heart of the festival: market of creatives, hobbyists, vintage items, and local products on Via Marconi
Festival of Mary Help of Christians — edition 2026
The Patron Saint's Festival of Bentivoglio was celebrated on Sunday, May 24, 2026, on the feast day of the Most Holy Mary Help of Christians, the town's patron saint. Alongside the religious celebrations at the parish church of Maria Santissima Ausiliatrice, the day was enlivened by the traditional market on Via Marconi, open from approximately 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Along the stalls, creatives and hobbyists, exhibitors of vintage items and antiques, and producers of local specialties from the Bologna area showcased their goods. The organization of the exhibition area was handled by Agenzia Eventi LM Show. Free admission.
Programme Festival of Mary Help of Christians 2026
Sunday, May 24, 2026
- Religious celebrations in honor of the Most Holy Mary Help of Christians at the parish church on Via Marconi
- 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM — Market on Via Marconi: creatives, hobbyists, vintage items, and local products (organized by Agenzia Eventi LM Show)
The detailed program of liturgical celebrations (Mass times and procession) is usually released by the parish in the days preceding the festival.
Highlights Festival of Mary Help of Christians 2026
Prices Festival of Mary Help of Christians 2026
Practical information — Festival of Mary Help of Christians
How to Get There
Bentivoglio is located about 18 km north of Bologna, in the Bassa bolognese region. By car, it can be reached from SP4 Galliera or from the Bentivoglio exit of the A13 Bologna-Padova highway. By train, Bentivoglio station is served by the regional Bologna-Ferrara line.
Times and Admission
The market on Via Marconi generally takes place throughout the day, typically from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Access to the market and celebrations is free.
Contacts
Parish of Maria Santissima Ausiliatrice, Via Marconi 15, 40010 Bentivoglio (BO). For information on the patronal feast, you can contact the parish; for the exhibition part, contact Agenzia Eventi LM Show.
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Where does it take place — Festival of Mary Help of Christians
Via Marconi e centro di Bentivoglio
Via Marconi 15, 40010 Bentivoglio