Patronal Solemnity of Saint Gaudentius

The Feast of Saint Gaudentius in Esmate

The Patronal Feast of Saint Gaudentius is the celebration of the patron saint of Esmate, a hamlet in the municipality of Solto Collina in the province of Bergamo, located in the hills above Upper Lake Iseo. Dedicated to Saint Gaudentius (327-418), a bishop deeply revered by the community, the festival is held every year on the first Sunday of August, featuring three days of religious and social events organized by the parish.

Traditional Flavors

Cuisine is at the heart of the festival, with a menu rooted in Bergamasque tradition: capù (typical cabbage rolls from the Bergamo area) served with polenta, tagliatelle with wild boar ragù, and mixed grills including ribs, skewers, and strinù, accompanied by cakes and the special Saint Gaudentius dessert, all served throughout Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. The long tables at the parish hall become a meeting place for the Esmate community and the many vacationers visiting the hills and Lake Iseo.

Music and Bingo

The evenings are brought to life with live music and bingo games, offering generous prizes of local products. It is the most convivial side of a festival that perfectly balances spiritual reflection with lighthearted fun.

The Procession

The most solemn moment arrives on Sunday with a Mass accompanied by the local choir and a procession that carries the statue of Saint Gaudentius through the streets of Esmate to the sound of the band. This is the religious and cultural heart of the festival, where the community renews its bond with its patron saint. At the end of the procession, blessed wine is distributed to the people. Experiencing the Feast of Saint Gaudentius means discovering the authenticity of a small Lombardy village overlooking Lake Iseo.