Patronal Feast of Saint John the Baptist
The patron saint of Celenza Valfortore celebrated on June 24th, in the heart of the Daunian Sub-Apennines
About Feast of Saint John the Baptist
The most cherished feast of Celenza Valfortore
In the calendar of Celenza Valfortore, there is no date more important than June 24th, the solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, patron saint of this village in the Daunian Sub-Apennines overlooking the Fortore Valley, in the province of Foggia. It is the day when the small Daunian community reunites: house doors stay open, the village repopulates with the return of emigrant families, and the most authentic dimension of Celenza—its social and communal spirit—shines in all its strength.
The procession of the 18th-century bust
The centerpiece of the feast is the procession, which centers on the Church of Santa Croce in the historic center. From here, the exquisite 18th-century wooden bust of the Baptist emerges, sheltered under a canopy and accompanied by the municipal banner flanked by the Italian and European flags, the mayor and civil authorities, the brass band, and a crowd of the faithful. The religious pageant winds through the stone alleys of the village amidst hymns and prayers, in a rite passed down from generation to generation.
Music, tradition, and street festivities
Alongside the liturgical celebrations, the days of the feast bring music and the atmosphere of a popular festival to the village. The brass band enlivens the squares with concerts, while illuminations light up the streets and food stalls are set up featuring typical local products. The festivities invariably conclude with evening fireworks that light up the sky over the Fortore.
A stone village of the Daunia
Celenza Valfortore is one of the most evocative villages in the Daunian Mountains, on the border between Puglia and Molise: a labyrinth of stone houses, stairways, and arches that provide a natural backdrop for the feast. Devotion to Saint John the Baptist is intertwined here with the very identity of the village, making the patronal feast both a religious rite, a community gathering, and an opportunity to rediscover the traditions of the inner Daunia.
- Municipality: Celenza Valfortore (Province of Foggia, Puglia)
- When: June 24th, Feast of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
- Heart of the feast: Church of Santa Croce and the historic center
- Traditional elements: procession of the wooden bust, brass band, illuminations, fireworks
Feast of Saint John the Baptist — edition 2026
For the 2026 edition, on Wednesday, June 24th, the community of Celenza Valfortore experienced its most cherished feast in the spirit of tradition. The presence of the Bishop of the Diocese of Lucera-Troia, Monsignor Giuseppe Giuliano, who celebrated the Holy Mass on the day of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, gave particular solemnity to the occasion.
As is customary, the day reached its climax with the procession of the patron's 18th-century wooden bust through the alleys of the historic center, featuring the canopy, the municipal banner, civil authorities, and the brass band. Secular festivities, including illuminations, food stalls, and performances, accompanied the event in the days surrounding June 24th.
Programme Feast of Saint John the Baptist 2026
Wednesday, June 24th, 2026 — Solemnity of Saint John the Baptist
- Liturgical celebrations in the Church of Santa Croce
- Solemn Holy Mass presided over by Monsignor Giuseppe Giuliano, Bishop of the Diocese of Lucera-Troia
- Procession of the patron's 18th-century wooden bust through the streets of the historic center, with canopy, municipal banner, authorities, and brass band
- Band concerts in the square, illuminations, and food stalls during the days of the festivities
- Fireworks display to conclude the feast
The detailed secular program (names of the bands and guest performers) is released year by year by the festival committee and through the channels of the Municipality and the Parish.
Highlights Feast of Saint John the Baptist 2026
Prices Feast of Saint John the Baptist 2026
Practical information — Feast of Saint John the Baptist
How to get there
Celenza Valfortore is located in the Daunian Sub-Apennines, at the northwestern tip of the province of Foggia, near the border with Molise. By car, it can be reached via the SS17 and the provincial roads of the Fortore; the reference railway stations are Foggia and Campobasso, which are then connected by local bus lines.
When
The feast is celebrated every year on June 24th, with secular festivities spread over the days surrounding the anniversary.
Costs
Religious celebrations, the procession, and the performances in the square are free to attend.
Tips
The historic center is characterized by narrow alleys and stairways: comfortable footwear is recommended. For updated times of masses and the procession, it is advisable to check the channels of the Parish of Santa Croce and the Municipality.
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Where does it take place — Feast of Saint John the Baptist
Centro storico e Chiesa di Santa Croce