Patronal Feast of Saint Paternian
The patron of Fano and the diocese celebrated every July 10th between faith and tradition
About Saint Paternian
The feast of the patron saint of Fano
On July 10th, Fano celebrates Saint Paternian, the city's bishop who lived in the 4th century and died, according to tradition, in 360 AD. The date of the feast coincides with the translation of the Saint's relics, which occurred on July 10th, 1551, from their original burial place to the current Basilica dedicated to him. Saint Paternian is the patron saint not only of the city of Fano, in the Province of Pesaro and Urbino, but of the entire Diocese of Fano Fossombrone Cagli Pergola, and his feast has been one of the most cherished events by the Marche community for centuries.
The heart of the feast: the Basilica of Saint Paternian
The focal point of the celebrations is the Basilica of Saint Paternian, in Piazza Sansovino, a Renaissance gem built between 1547 and 1558, with contributions attributed to Jacopo Sansovino. Today, the Basilica is entrusted to the Capuchin Friars of the Marche, who lead the festivities each year. During the feast days, the church remains open until late evening to welcome the faithful and pilgrims who come from all over the diocese.
Between faith and community
The feast of Saint Paternian has always intertwined the spiritual dimension with the popular one. Alongside the preparatory triduum, the day filled with holy masses, and the solemn procession through the streets of the historic center, the people of Fano gather for more convivial moments: the famous Tombola of Saint Paternian in Piazza XX Settembre, accompanied by the Città di Fano band, the charity raffle, and the market set up at the Basilica, with proceeds supporting the Capuchin friars' charitable works and missions.
An identity event
- When: every year on July 10th, preceded by the triduum on July 7th-8th-9th.
- Where: Basilica of Saint Paternian (Piazza Sansovino) and Fano historic center.
- What: liturgical celebrations, procession, organ and sacred music concerts, tombola, market, and charity raffle.
- For whom: faithful, families, tourists, and curious visitors discovering the traditions of the Marche coast.
Participating in the feast of Saint Paternian means entering the heart of Fano's identity: a day when the city rediscovers its roots, between the solemnity of the liturgy and the warmth of a community that has renewed its devotion to its patron saint for almost five centuries.
Saint Paternian — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the patronal feast of Saint Paternian falls on Friday, July 10th. As per established tradition, the solemnity is preceded by a preparatory triduum on July 7th, 8th, and 9th, with an evening mass followed by sacred music concerts (in past years, organ, accordion, and flute and harp concerts) in the Basilica on Piazza Sansovino. On July 10th, the day is marked by numerous holy masses from morning to evening, with the solemn celebration presided over by the Bishop and the participation of city authorities, as well as the procession with the Saint's statue through the streets of the historic center. On the civil side, the Tombola of Saint Paternian returns to Piazza XX Settembre, enlivened by the Città di Fano band, along with the charity raffle and market set up at the Basilica, with proceeds going to charitable works.
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be published in the weeks preceding the event by the Diocese of Fano and the Basilica of Saint Paternian.
Programme Saint Paternian 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be announced by the Diocese of Fano and the Basilica of Saint Paternian in the weeks leading up to the feast. The recurring structure of the celebrations includes:
Preparatory Triduum — July 7, 8, and 9
- 6:30 PM — Holy Mass in the Basilica of Saint Paternian
- 9:15 PM — Sacred music concert (organ, accordion, flute and harp, depending on the edition)
Feast Day — Friday, July 10
- Holy Masses throughout the morning (approximate times: 7:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:00 AM)
- 11:15 AM — Solemn Holy Mass presided over by the Bishop with city authorities
- Afternoon and evening Masses (approximate times: 5:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 9:15 PM)
- Procession with the statue of Saint Paternian through the streets of the historic center
- In the evening, Tombola of Saint Paternian in Piazza XX Settembre with the Città di Fano band
The indicated times follow the schedule of previous editions and may be updated in the official 2026 program.
Highlights Saint Paternian 2026
- The solemn procession with the statue of Saint Paternian through the historic center of Fano
- The solemn Holy Mass presided over by the Bishop in the Renaissance Basilica of Piazza Sansovino
- The sacred music concerts during the triduum in the Basilica
- The historic Tombola of Saint Paternian in Piazza XX Settembre with the Città di Fano band
Prices Saint Paternian 2026
Practical information — Saint Paternian
How to get there
The Basilica of Saint Paternian is located in Piazza Sansovino, in the historic center of Fano, a short walk from Piazza XX Settembre. By train, Fano station is on the Bologna-Lecce Adriatic line, about a 10-minute walk from the center. By car, take the Fano exit from the A14 motorway, then follow signs for the city center (parking near the historic walls).
Admission
Participation in religious celebrations and feast events is free. For the tombola and charity raffle, tickets are available for a symbolic donation, with proceeds going to charity.
Information
Basilica di San Paterniano, tel. +39 0721 803616 — www.basilicasanpaterniano.it. For the diocesan religious program: www.fanodiocesi.it.
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 — Saint Paternian
Basilica di San Paterniano
Piazza Sansovino 2, 61032 Fano