Patronal Feast of Saint Julian the Martyr and Saint Helena the Empress
Two patrons, processions, and the ancient rite of the Maritaggio
About Patronal Feast of Saint Julian
The Two Patrons of San Giuliano di Puglia
The patronal feast of San Giuliano di Puglia, in the province of Campobasso, is concentrated over two intense days: May 21st, the feast of Saint Julian the Martyr, and May 22nd, the feast of Saint Helena the Empress. It is the most anticipated moment of the year for the community of lower Molise, bordering Puglia.
The Rite of the Maritaggio
The identity core of the feast is the Maritaggio, a custom dating back to 1913: on May 21st, the names of some unmarried girls from the town are drawn by lot, and they receive a prize of about a thousand euros if they get married before the age of thirty. A unique popular tradition that inextricably links the religious feast to the life of the community.
Processions and Community Bonds
On May 21st, the parish priest celebrates Mass in the Mother Church; on May 22nd, Mass is held outdoors, on the steps of Saint Helena's chapel on the border with Santa Croce di Magliano. Saint Helena's statue, carried in procession on May 1st, is returned to her chapel on the 22nd, in a rite that strengthens the collaboration between the two neighboring towns.
Patronal Feast of Saint Julian — edition 2026
In 2026, San Giuliano di Puglia renews its patronal feast on May 21st and 22nd, in honor of Saint Julian the Martyr and Saint Helena the Empress. The celebration calendar begins on May 1st with the procession of Saint Helena's statue.
The program includes Masses, processions, and the ancient rite of the Maritaggio, which has characterized the feast of this Molise village in the province of Campobasso since 1913.
Programme Patronal Feast of Saint Julian 2026
May 1st
- Procession of the statue of Saint Helena the Empress.
Thursday, May 21st — Saint Julian the Martyr
- Solemn Mass in the Mother Church.
- 6:00 PM — Maritaggio Rite: drawing of names of unmarried girls, with a prize of approximately one thousand euros for those who marry before the age of thirty.
Friday, May 22nd — Saint Helena the Empress
- Outdoor Mass on the steps of Saint Helena's chapel, on the border with Santa Croce di Magliano.
- Procession of Saint Helena's statue back to her chapel.
Highlights Patronal Feast of Saint Julian 2026
The ancient Maritaggio rite on May 21st and Saint Helena's procession towards Santa Croce di Magliano.
Prices Patronal Feast of Saint Julian 2026
Practical information — Patronal Feast of Saint Julian
How to get there
San Giuliano di Puglia is located in lower Molise, in the province of Campobasso, bordering Puglia, reachable by car. The celebrations take place between the Mother Church and Saint Helena's chapel, on the border with Santa Croce di Magliano.
Tips
Free admission. The highlights are the Maritaggio on May 21st and Saint Helena's procession on May 22nd.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Patronal Feast of Saint Julian
Chiesa Madre
Chiesa Madre, 86040 San Giuliano di Puglia