Patronal Feast of Saint Marciano Bishop and Saint Anthony of Padua

A patronal feast in the heart of Irpinia

In mid-June, the village of Taurasi, in the province of Avellino, experiences the most intense days of its calendar. This Irpinian town, known worldwide for its Taurasi DOCG wine produced from Aglianico grapes, pauses to honor the two saints who have accompanied its history for centuries: Saint Marciano Bishop, the town's patron and protector of the fields, whose feast day falls on June 14, and Saint Anthony of Padua, celebrated on June 13. Popular faith, music, and conviviality intertwine in an event that draws both local emigrants and visitors from across the Alta Irpinia region to the historic center.

The liturgical program

The religious aspect is the heart of the festival, beginning days earlier with a novena and a three-day preparation period at the Mother Church, featuring the rosary and evening Eucharistic celebrations. During the festival days, masses are held at the Church of the Immaculate and the Collegiate Church of Saint Marciano Bishop, which overlooks Piazza Duomo next to the imposing Marchionale Castle. The solemn celebration for the patron saint is traditionally presided over by a bishop or archbishop, reflecting the deep-rooted devotion in the territory.

• Three-day preparation period at the Mother Church
• Eucharistic celebrations at the Church of the Immaculate and the Collegiate Church
• Procession with the statue of Saint Anthony of Padua carried on shoulders
• Solemn procession with the statue of Saint Marciano Bishop
• Musical accompaniment by the 'Andretta in Musica' Band

The Orto di San Marciano, a unique tradition

The most original element of the festival is the 'Uorto 'e santo Marcìano', or Saint Marciano's Garden: on the night before the patronal feast, volunteers set up a small garden in the historic center—between the Mother Church and the Castle—fenced with reeds, featuring a mock well in the center and filled with local produce: grapes, potatoes, peppers, and vegetables. Tradition holds that Saint Marciano cultivated a small garden for his own sustenance and that, through prayer alone, he dispelled a storm that threatened the harvest. This is why he is venerated as the protector of farmers and gardeners. At the end of the procession, the parish priest blesses the garden, and the produce is distributed as a sign of devotion.

Evenings in Piazza Municipio

Alongside the rituals, the secular program enlivens Piazza Municipio every evening, turning it into an open-air stage. Over the years, the square has hosted concerts by well-known bands from the Campania scene, comedy shows, karaoke, DJ sets, and the 'Corrida di Taurasi', a talent and singing competition involving the entire community. The three days are embellished by traditional light installations that create arches of light along the village streets, concluding at midnight with the fireworks display, the moment most awaited by the locals.

A patron shared with Frigento

Saint Marciano does not belong to Taurasi alone: for centuries, the bishop has also been the patron of Frigento, another nearby Irpinian town. The bond between the two communities is vibrant and is commemorated with joint celebrations attended by mayors, parish priests, and civil and religious authorities, under the banner of unity and shared historical roots.

Taurasi, the village of Aglianico

Visiting Taurasi during the festival means discovering one of the most characteristic villages in inland Campania: the Marchionale Castle, the Lombard-era Porta Maggiore, the Baronial Palace, and the stone alleys of the ancient center. Surrounding the town are the Aglianico vineyards that produce Taurasi DOCG, the first red wine in Southern Italy to obtain the Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin: a natural invitation to end the evening in one of the local wineries.

When to go

The festival always takes place around June 13 and 14, the liturgical dates for Saint Anthony of Padua and Saint Marciano Bishop, with an extension to the nearest weekend when the calendar allows. Access to all events is free of charge.