Patronal Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua

The patron saint of Anacapri

Saint Anthony of Padua is the patron saint of Anacapri, the town located on the upper part of the island of Capri, in the Province of Naples, Campania. Its feast, celebrated every year around June 13th, is the most anticipated event for the local community and one of the most intense moments of popular devotion on the entire island. The heart of the celebrations is the parish church of Santa Sofia, the monumental church overlooking the historic center where the Saint is venerated.

A tradition of faith and folklore

In the days leading up to the solemnity, Anacapri prepares with the tredicina, a thirteen-day cycle of prayer that accompanies the faithful until the feast day. The town changes its appearance: squares and alleys fill with colorful drapes and lights, while each neighborhood is decorated with characteristic carpets of broom flowers, the yellow flower that is the symbol of the Saint, laid out along the procession route.

The most beloved tradition is that of the children dressed as little angels and monks, who parade while carrying the bread of Saint Anthony. From the balconies, the local women toss petals and broom flowers as the procession passes, a gesture of devotion repeated from generation to generation.

The procession of June 13th

The highlight is the evening procession on the day of the feast: the wooden bust of Saint Anthony is carried on shoulders through the streets of the historic center, flanked by crowds and accompanied by the brass band, the clergy, and an entire community in celebration. Along the route, floral arrangements and traditional scenes make this celebration truly unique.

Faith and community

Alongside the religious program, the Municipality of Anacapri and the parish offer a rich civil program, featuring concerts, brass bands, and social gatherings that involve both residents and visitors. The feast of Saint Anthony is thus both a religious rite and a great popular celebration that tells the story of the most authentic soul of Anacapri.

Anacapri and the island of Capri

Experiencing the patronal feast is also a unique way to discover Anacapri, away from the most crowded tourist circuits: a village of white houses, gardens, and glimpses of the sea, where tradition is still a living part of daily life. Anyone on the island during the feast days can breathe in the most genuine atmosphere of island Campania.