Patronal Fair of Saint Antoninus

The feast of the patron saint of Piacenza

The Patronal Fair of Saint Antoninus is the most cherished event of the year for the city of Piacenza, the capital of the province of the same name in Emilia-Romagna. Every July 4th, the historic center transforms: the religious dimension, centered around the Basilica of Saint Antoninus, is complemented by the great popular market of stalls, an extraordinary market that animates Piazza Cavalli, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, and the main city streets from early morning until late at night.

Who was Saint Antoninus

Saint Antoninus, according to tradition, was a soldier of the Theban Legion martyred near Travo, in the Trebbia valley, in the 4th century. His relics, found around the year 388 by Bishop Savino, are preserved in the Basilica dedicated to him, one of the symbolic places of the city with the famous Portico del Paradiso. The main feast on July 4th is accompanied by a secondary observance on November 13th, which commemorates the discovery of the relics.

The celebrations of July 4th

The religious heart of the day is the solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Bishop of Piacenza-Bobbio. At the end, two traditional and highly anticipated gestures take place: the traditional offering of the candle in honor of the patron saint by the mayor, on behalf of the entire city, and the awarding of the Antonino d'oro prize, an award established in 1986 and given annually to individuals, entities, or organizations that have distinguished themselves for the good of Piacenza. The morning is marked by the Morning Lauds, the blessing of the lavender, masses, and the concert of the Banda Ponchielli, which parades towards Piazza Sant'Antonino.

The Antoniniane Events

Around the patron saint's feast, the Municipality of Piacenza and the Diocese organize the Antoniniane Events, a program of cultural events that accompanies the citizens towards July 4th: organ concerts, gospel and classical music, historical exhibitions in the Basilica's spaces, theatrical performances, dialogue meetings, and the traditional review of Piacenza dialect songs, which brings the voices and melodies of local tradition to Piazza Cavalli.

The great fair

The market of stalls is the most popular and folkloric component of the feast. Hundreds of street vendors come to Piacenza to set up their stalls along the streets of the center: clothing, crafts, typical products, trinkets, and sweets. The stall assignments begin at dawn at the Palazzetto dello Sport in Via Alberici, and the fair remains open from early morning until midnight, attracting visitors from all over the Province of Piacenza and the neighboring areas of Lombardy, Liguria, and Piedmont, of which the city is a historic gateway.