Patronal Feast of Saint Crescenzio Martire

The Patronal Feast of Binetto

The Patronal Feast of Saint Crescenzio Martire is the most anticipated event of the year for Binetto, a small town in the Metropolitan City of Bari, Puglia. Every summer, during the final week of August, the town pauses its daily routine to rally around its patron saint in a celebration that bridges the spiritual with the popular and convivial. The streets are adorned with artistic lights, the squares fill with people, and the program unfolds over more than a week, balancing moments of devotion with festive evenings.

A tradition dating back to the 18th century

The origins of the festival date back to the late 18th century. For over two centuries, the people of Binetto have renewed their bond with Saint Crescenzio through rituals passed down from generation to generation. The saint's relic is kept in the Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta, a Romanesque building with origins reaching back to the 12th century, which serves as the religious heart of the village and the starting point for the celebrations. Saint Crescenzio is the patron of Binetto alongside the Madonna of Costantinopoli, who is venerated on the first Tuesday of March.

Religious rites and procession

The lead-up to the festival is marked by the novena, with the rosary and holy mass celebrated every evening in the Mother Church. The highlight is the solemnity on the last Sunday of August, featuring morning and evening masses and the solemn procession through the town streets, during which the Mayor symbolically hands the keys of the city to the saint. The parish choir accompanies the celebrations, while in the preceding days, the rites also visit the various districts of the village.

Public festivities

Alongside the religious program, the Patronal Feast Committee organizes evening entertainment to enliven the squares: concerts by bands and musical groups, children's shows, the traditional grand brass band concert, food festivals showcasing the flavors of Puglian cuisine, and the fireworks display that lights up the Binetto sky on the night of the feast. Artistic illuminations, markets, and a lottery round out a program that appeals to both young and old.

A village to discover

With just over two thousand inhabitants, Binetto is one of the smallest municipalities in the Metropolitan City of Bari, nestled at an altitude of about 170 meters in the heart of the Bari countryside. The patronal feast is the perfect opportunity to explore its historic center, the Mother Church of Santa Maria Assunta, and the authentic atmosphere of a Puglian town that, during these late summer days, opens its doors to residents, returning emigrants, and visitors alike.