Patronal Feast of Saint Clement Martyr and Palio of Saint Clement

A festival weaving faith and memory

The Patronal Feast of Saint Clement Martyr is one of the most cherished annual events in Canino, a village in the Viterbo Tuscia region of the Lazio province. Saint Clement is venerated as the community's co-patron, and every September, the people of Canino gather around his relics for days that balance intense spirituality with vibrant popular celebrations. The religious heart of the festival is the Collegiate Church of Saints John and Andrew, where solemn masses and veneration rites take place.

The Palio of Saint Clement

The most anticipated moment is the Palio of Saint Clement, the traditional half-blood horse race held in the historic center. In the afternoon, the horses parade through the streets accompanied by local authorities, drummers, and delegations from the various districts, before competing in pairs along an exciting course that winds through the village from Piazza Valentini to Corso Matteotti. The race, dedicated for years to the memory of Paolo Tascio, draws a large crowd of locals and visitors and serves as the grand finale of the festivities.

Ancient roots

Canino's folk traditions run deep, dating back to the 17th century: as early as 1626, the town hosted the so-called Palio della Campana, won that year by the Santa Croce district. This historical legacy has been passed down through the centuries to the current Palio of Saint Clement, which celebrated its fifteenth edition in 2025. Canino is a land rich in history: as the birthplace of Pope Paul III Farnese, it preserves a heritage that comes alive through historical pageants and sacred concerts dedicated to the pontiff.

Four days of sacred and secular celebration

The festival program typically spans a weekend in September and includes:

• the solemn mass in the Collegiate Church, often presided over by the Bishop of Viterbo;
• the sacred concert "Melodies for Pope Paul III," performed in the collegiate church;
• the procession of the relics of Saint Clement through the streets of the historic center;
• the dinner in the square organized by the Saint Clement Committee;
• the Palio spectacle, featuring the horse parade and the race through the village.

A defining local event

Organized by the Saint Clement Committee with the support of the Municipality of Canino, the festival is much more than a religious celebration: it is an occasion where the entire community reaffirms its identity through devotion, playful rivalries between the districts, and a shared passion for horses. For visitors, it is also an opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Tuscia region, characterized by medieval alleys, excellent local cuisine, and the warm hospitality of Canino.