Patronal Feast of Saint Anthony Abbot
The patron saint, the blessing of animals, and offelle in Sant'Angelo Lodigiano
About Feast of Saint Anthony Abbot
The Patron Saint Who Brings Winter to the Bassa Lodigiana
In Sant'Angelo Lodigiano, in the province of Lodi, January 17th is the date that matters most: Saint Anthony Abbot, the town's patron saint, is celebrated. The festival takes place around the Basilica of Saints Anthony Abbot and Francesca Cabrini, on Via Umberto I, and is one of those anniversaries that have intertwined faith, peasant tradition, and collective identity for centuries, marking the heart of winter in the Bassa Lodigiana.
The Pontifical Mass and the Blessing of Animals
The central moment is the solemn pontifical mass in the basilica, with the presentation of candles by the municipal authorities. But the most beloved and popular tradition is the blessing of animals on the parvis: Saint Anthony Abbot is, in fact, the protector of livestock and domestic animals, and the rite attracts many faithful with their four-legged friends each year. The blessing takes place from the basilica's steps, with the town center streets closed to traffic for the occasion.
Offelle and Traditional Flavors
There is no Feast of Saint Anthony Abbot without offelle, the typical sweet of Sant'Angelo Lodigiano, which once again takes center stage on tables and in pastry shop windows for this occasion. Alongside the sweet flavors are popular traditional dishes like tripe, in a combination of taste and devotion that tells the story of the area's rural soul.
A Celebration for the Entire Community
The day continues in the afternoon with cultural and community events, from civil honors to concerts, and activities for young people. Organized by the Municipality of Sant'Angelo Lodigiano together with the parish, the patronal feast of Saint Anthony Abbot is the perfect opportunity to discover the identity of this Lodi town, dominated by its famous Bolognini Castle.
Feast of Saint Anthony Abbot — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the patronal feast of Saint Anthony Abbot took place on Saturday, January 17th, in Sant'Angelo Lodigiano. In the morning, in the Basilica of Saints Anthony Abbot and Francesca Cabrini, the solemn pontifical mass was presided over by Monsignor Bassiano Uggè, vicar general of the Diocese of Lodi, with the presentation of candles by Mayor Cristiano Devecchi. This was followed by the blessing from the basilica's steps with the large statue of the saint.
In the afternoon, the well-attended blessing of animals took place on the parvis, with Via Umberto and Piazza Libertà closed to traffic. At 5 PM, at the castle, a concert by the gospel choir "Voci per voi" was held, followed by the presentation of civil honors and events for young people. The typical offelle, the town's sweet specialty, were, of course, present.
Programme Feast of Saint Anthony Abbot 2026
Morning
- Solemn pontifical mass in the Basilica of Saints Anthony Abbot and Francesca Cabrini, presided over by Msgr. Bassiano Uggè
- Presentation of candles by the mayor
- Blessing from the basilica steps with the statue of the saint
Afternoon
- Blessing of animals on the parvis (Via Umberto and Piazza Libertà closed to traffic)
- 5 PM, at the castle: concert by the gospel choir "Voci per voi"
- Presentation of civil honors and celebration for young people
Throughout the day, the typical offelle of Sant'Angelo Lodigiano.
Highlights Feast of Saint Anthony Abbot 2026
The blessing of animals on the basilica's parvis and the pontifical mass presided over by the vicar general of the Diocese of Lodi.
Prices Feast of Saint Anthony Abbot 2026
Practical information — Feast of Saint Anthony Abbot
How to Get There
Sant'Angelo Lodigiano is located in the province of Lodi, southwest of the provincial capital. By car, it can be reached via the SP235 Lodi-Pavia. The festival takes place around the Basilica of Saints Anthony Abbot and Francesca Cabrini, at Via Umberto I, 9.
Admission
All celebrations and the blessing of animals are free and open to the public.
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Where does it take place — Feast of Saint Anthony Abbot
Basilica dei Santi Antonio Abate e Francesca Cabrini
Via Umberto I 9, 26866 Sant'Angelo Lodigiano