Patronal Feast of Saint John the Baptist
The feast of the patron saint of Busto Arsizio at the summer solstice
About Feast of Saint John
The patron saint of Busto Arsizio
The Patronal Feast of Saint John the Baptist is the most important feast in Busto Arsizio, in the province of Varese. The saint, celebrated on June 24th, is the patron saint of the city, and his feast day combines the religious, civic, and popular dimensions, during a period of the year linked to the ancient traditions of the summer solstice — Saint John is indeed known as the saint of water and sun.
The Day of Thanksgiving
The institutional heart of the feast is the Day of Thanksgiving, during which the municipal administration awards civic recognitions to distinguished citizens. The ceremony, usually held at Villa Ottolini-Tosi, precedes the solemn Mass in the Basilica of Saint John the Baptist, an architectural masterpiece symbolizing the city.
Rites, Music, and Conviviality
Among the most evocative moments are the sunrise concert with Celtic harp to welcome the solstice, the traditional preparation of Saint John's water in Piazza Santa Maria, and concerts of ancient music with medieval instruments in the sanctuary. There is also the traditional dinner in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, a moment of great popular participation, accompanied by concerts and shows in the historic center.
Art and Identity
The feast is also an opportunity to rediscover the city's artistic heritage: during this period, the exhibition 'Nel segno del Battista' (In the Sign of the Baptist) is held at Palazzo Marliani Cicogna, dedicated to the link between faith, art, and local identity. A set of events that makes June 24th the most cherished day of the year for the people of Busto Arsizio.
Feast of Saint John — edition 2026
The Patronal Feast of Saint John the Baptist 2026 focuses around June 24th, the patron saint's day of Busto Arsizio. The main day includes the Day of Thanksgiving at Villa Ottolini-Tosi (9:30 AM) with civic awards and the solemn Mass in the Basilica of Saint John (11:30 AM). The program features the evocative sunrise concert (6:00 AM) with Celtic harp for the solstice, the traditional preparation of Saint John's water, and concerts of ancient music with medieval instruments. The traditional dinner will be held in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, followed by a concert, and the exhibition 'In the Sign of the Baptist' at Palazzo Marliani Cicogna. Some collateral events will be hosted at the city's former slaughterhouse.
Programme Feast of Saint John 2026
Sunrise Concert — 6:00 AM
- Concert with Celtic harp and voice to celebrate the summer solstice, followed by breakfast
Preparation of Saint John's Water
- Traditional rite in Piazza Santa Maria; ancient music concert with medieval instruments in the sanctuary
June 24th — Day of Thanksgiving
- 9:30 AM — Civic awards ceremony at Villa Ottolini-Tosi
- 11:30 AM — Solemn Mass in the Basilica of Saint John the Baptist
Dinner in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
- Traditional dinner (by reservation) followed by a concert
Collateral Events
- Exhibition 'In the Sign of the Baptist' at Palazzo Marliani Cicogna
- Concerts, shows, and markets in the historic center; event spaces at the former slaughterhouse
Highlights Feast of Saint John 2026
Prices Feast of Saint John 2026
Practical information — Feast of Saint John
Where
The celebrations take place in the Basilica of Saint John the Baptist and in the historic center of Busto Arsizio (VA), with events at Villa Ottolini-Tosi and Palazzo Marliani Cicogna.
How to get there
Busto Arsizio is served by the FS and Ferrovie Nord stations and the A8 Milan-Varese highway.
Admission
Religious and civic events are free admission; the dinner in the piazza requires reservation and payment.
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Where does it take place — Feast of Saint John
Basilica di San Giovanni Battista e centro cittadino
Piazza San Giovanni, 21052 Busto Arsizio