Patronal Feast of Saint Julius
Ten days of events for the patron saint of Castellanza
About Feast of Saint Julius
Saint Julius, Patron Saint of Castellanza
The Patronal Feast of Saint Julius is the celebration of the patron saint of Castellanza, a municipality in the Province of Varese in the Alto Milanese region. For ten days, spanning the end of January and the beginning of February, the city hosts a packed programme of over fifteen events that blend religious, civil, cultural, and popular dimensions. It is the quintessential identity event for the Castellanza community.
The Gioeubia Bonfire
One of the most cherished moments is the «Falò de la Gioeubia», the ancient propitiatory rite of the Alto Milanese where the effigy of the old woman is burned to ward off winter. It takes place in Piazza della Libertà, after Mass in the Church of Saint Julius, with food stalls offering mulled wine, polenta, and the traditional «bread of Saint Julius». An event that links the patronal feast to the area's peasant folklore.
Culture and Music
The programme includes theatre, cinema (with screenings also dedicated to Holocaust Remembrance Day), conferences, and concerts, such as the Feast of Saint Julius concert entrusted to young ensembles from the Conservatory of Milan. Villa Brambilla hosts a fascinating exhibition of vintage radios, while urban walks guide visitors to discover the historic centre of Castellanza.
The Climax: The Feast of Saint Julius
The highlight is the day of the historic Feast of Saint Julius: after the performance of the musical band and the solemn Mass, with the blessing of the restored bell tower, the city comes alive with rides, stalls, a charity raffle, and gastronomic offerings. It is the public celebration that ideally concludes the ten days of festivities, bringing the entire community together.
Feast of Saint Julius — edition 2026
For 2026, the Patronal Feast of Saint Julius offers Castellanza a schedule of over fifteen events spread over ten days. It opens on January 24 with the show «Castellanza a…Teatro per la pace», continues with the screening for Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Gioeubia bonfire in Piazza della Libertà, the vintage radio exhibition at Villa Brambilla, and the Feast of Saint Julius concert with the Ensemble Lumen from the Conservatory of Milan. The climax is on February 1 with the solemn Mass, the blessing of the restored bell tower, and the historic Feast of Saint Julius.
Programme Feast of Saint Julius 2026
Saturday, January 24
- Show «Castellanza a…Teatro per la pace» at the Theatre of Via Dante
Monday, January 26
- Screening of the film «Arf» for Holocaust Remembrance Day
Thursday, January 29
- Mass in the Church of Saint Julius, followed by the «Falò de la Gioeubia granda e de la Gioeubia di fioeu» in Piazza della Libertà, with food stalls (mulled wine, polenta, bread of Saint Julius)
January 30-31
- Conference by Don Giuliano Zanchi
- Inauguration of the vintage radio exhibition at Villa Brambilla
- Urban walk in the historic centre
- Feast of Saint Julius Concert with the Ensemble Lumen from the Conservatory of Milan
Sunday, February 1
- Performance by the Santa Cecilia Musical Band
- Solemn Mass presided over by Monsignor Bruno Marinoni
- Blessing of the restored bell tower
- Historic Feast of Saint Julius with rides, charity raffle, and gastronomic offerings
Monday, February 2
- Mass in suffrage of the deceased
Highlights Feast of Saint Julius 2026
Prices Feast of Saint Julius 2026
Practical information — Feast of Saint Julius
When
From January 24 to February 2, 2026.
Where
Church of Saint Julius, Piazza della Libertà, Villa Brambilla, Theatre of Via Dante, and the centre of Castellanza (VA).
Admission
Most events are free; some activities may involve paid consumption.
How to get there
Castellanza is located in the Alto Milanese region, on the Milan–Saronno–Laveno railway line (FerrovieNord) and near the A8 motorway. Events are concentrated in the city centre.
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Where does it take place — Feast of Saint Julius
Chiesa di San Giulio, Piazza della Libertà e centro di Castellanza