Patronal Feast of Saint Basso
The feast of the patron saint of Termoli and its fishermen, with a evocative sea procession on fishing boats
About Saint Basso
The Patron Saint of Fishermen
The Feast of Saint Basso is the most deeply felt celebration in Termoli, in the province of Campobasso. Saint Basso, bishop and martyr, is the patron saint of the city and the entire diocese of Termoli-Larino: according to tradition, his relics were found at sea by fishermen, which is why his feast day is profoundly linked to the city's maritime world.
The Sea Procession
The most evocative moment is the sea procession: the statue of Saint Basso is placed on a fishing boat and accompanied by a flotilla of vessels that leave the port and sail along the coast. The bishop and the mayor take their places on separate boats, while a band accompanies the procession from another vessel. Tradition dictates the laying of a laurel wreath at sea in memory of the lost sailors. It all begins with a solemn mass in the Cathedral of Santa Maria della Purificazione, in the Old Town.
Between Faith and Celebration
Alongside the religious dimension, the feast is enriched with music, shows, and major concerts at the Arena del Mare as part of the Termolese Summer, as well as the fireworks display over the sea. It is the heart of the Termolese summer, capable of attracting thousands of people, including residents, emigrants returning for the occasion, and tourists from the Molise coast.
Saint Basso — edition 2026
The 2026 celebrations in honor of Saint Basso, patron saint of Termoli and its fishermen, are concentrated in the first days of August. The program alternates solemn liturgical services in the Cathedral of the Old Town, the famous sea procession with fishing boats, moments of music and entertainment along the seafront, and major concerts of the Termolese Summer at the Arena del Mare, with a fireworks display to conclude the night of celebration.
Programme Saint Basso 2026
August 3-4 — Solemnity and Sea Procession
- Liturgical celebration in the Cathedral of Santa Maria della Purificazione
- Morning (9 AM) — Sea procession: the statue of Saint Basso leaves the port on fishing boats, accompanied by the flotilla, the bishop, and the mayor; laying of the laurel wreath at sea
- Evening — Procession from the port to the Old Town
- Solemn pontifical mass in Piazza Duomo (6:30 PM)
August 4 — San Basso Music Fest
- 7 PM — San Basso Music Fest in the port–Rio Vivo area, with music and shows
August 5 — Concert and Fireworks
- Free concert by Clementino at Arena del Mare 42°15°
- Midnight — Fireworks display at the tourist port
Note: the solemn procession with the saint's urn takes place every five years.
Highlights Saint Basso 2026
Prices Saint Basso 2026
Practical information — Saint Basso
How to get there
Termoli is reachable by train (Adriatic line) and by car from the A14 motorway (Termoli-San Severo exit). The sea procession departs from the port; religious celebrations take place in the Cathedral of the Old Town.
Information
Program available on diocesitermolilarino.it and estatetermolese.com.
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Where does it take place — Saint Basso
Cattedrale di Termoli, porto e Borgo Antico
Piazza Duomo, 86039 Termoli