Patronal Feast of Saint Apollonia and Saint Apollonia Fair

An ancient devotion

February 9th, the commemoration of Saint Apollonia, is an important date in the calendar of Cantù, a city in Brianza in the province of Como. The Saint is venerated in the Basilica of San Paolo, which for the occasion becomes the center of religious celebrations, with the statue on display for the entire day and a succession of masses that draw the faithful from the city's pastoral communities.

The religious feast

The patronal day is marked by services in the Basilica: the solemn mass at 11:00 AM is presided over by a high-ranking official of the Archdiocese of Milan and concelebrated by the priests of the pastoral communities, while in the afternoon, the blessing of children with parents and grandparents from Christian Initiation takes place. It is a feast deeply linked to the city's religious identity, so much so that the parish secretariats remain closed to allow participation in the celebrations.

The Saint Apollonia Fair

Alongside the religious feast is the Saint Apollonia Fair, a traditional commercial event that the Municipality of Cantù officially codifies among its historic fairs, along with the Fair of San Rocco and the Fair of the Crucifix. The stalls animate the streets of the center, bringing visitors and curious onlookers to the city and renewing a custom that has linked the religious commemoration to the community's commercial life for generations.

Collateral events

The feast is also an occasion for music: on the eve, at the Teatro Fumagalli, the traditional Concert of Saint Apollonia by the city's musical corps takes place, an event that has been held for decades and is free to enter. A way to accompany the commemoration with a cultural moment open to all citizens.