Patronal Feast of Saint George the Martyr
The first spring festival of the Arbëreshë village of Montecilfone
About Saint George the Martyr
Saint George the Martyr, patron saint of Montecilfone
In Montecilfone, a municipality of the Arbëreshë linguistic minority in the province of Campobasso, the patronal feast of Saint George the Martyr is the first major event of spring. The celebrations focus around April 23rd, with possible shifts to the following Saturday or Sunday.
Faith, Fair, and Arbëreshë Identity
The festival opens on the eve, April 22nd, with the traditional fair that animates the village streets. On the Saint's day, the Mayor and the municipal administration, accompanied by the Gonfalon, participate in the Holy Mass and the procession. The legend of Saint George defeating the dragon to save the king's daughter is recalled in the ancient panegyric, while the cult of the Saint is linked to that of Giorgio Castriota Skanderbeg, the Albanian national hero, in an intertwining that tells the roots of the community.
Flavors of Italo-Albanian Tradition
During the festival days, there are tastings of products from the Italo-Albanian culture, with ancient recipes preserved by the community. The festivities conclude with a show in the square and fireworks.
Saint George the Martyr — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the patronal feast of Saint George the Martyr takes place from April 22nd to 24th in Montecilfone. The traditional fair on April 22nd opens the festivities; April 23rd is dedicated to religious celebrations, with Holy Mass and the procession attended by the Mayor and the municipal administration accompanied by the Gonfalon. The program includes tastings of products from the Italo-Albanian culture and concludes with a show in the square and fireworks.
Programme Saint George the Martyr 2026
April 22 — Eve
- Traditional fair through the village streets, first spring festival
April 23 — Saint George the Martyr
- 08:30 AM — Start of festivities
- Solemn Holy Mass and procession with the Saint's statue; participation of the Mayor and municipal administration with the Gonfalon
- Re-enactment of the panegyric of Saint George and the dragon
- Tastings of traditional Italo-Albanian products
- Show in the square and fireworks (until late evening)
Dates may be shifted to the following Saturday or Sunday.
Highlights Saint George the Martyr 2026
The procession with the municipal Gonfalon, the spring fair, and the closing fireworks.
Prices Saint George the Martyr 2026
Practical information — Saint George the Martyr
How to get there
Montecilfone can be reached by car from the Termoli exit of the A14, heading inland. The nearest train station is Termoli, on the Adriatic line.
Contacts
Pro Loco Montecilfone — [email protected]. Free admission.
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Where does it take place — Saint George the Martyr
Parrocchia San Giorgio Martire
Viale Alessandro Manzoni, 21, 86032 Montecilfone