Plate of Saint Anthony Abbot
The patronal feast of Santa Maria degli Angeli, between Focaraccio and blessing
About Plate of Saint Anthony
The feast of the Angelic patron
The Plate of Saint Anthony Abbot is the great patronal feast of Santa Maria degli Angeli, a populous hamlet in the Municipality of Assisi (Province of Perugia). Dedicated to Saint Anthony Abbot, protector of animals, it is one of the most deeply rooted events in the area, traditionally linked to the end of an epidemic that affected the local horses.
The Focaraccio and the procession
The feast begins with the Focaraccio, the large bonfire lit in Piazza Garibaldi on the eve, around which the entire community gathers. The day of the feast is marked by the solemn procession with the famous Carabinieri Band, authorities, and local associations, the investiture of the new Priors, and the blessing of animals and bread on the parvis of the Basilica.
The traditional dish
The convivial heart of the feast is the Plate of Saint Anthony: on the day of the commemoration, dozens of local restaurants serve the traditional dish, with thousands of portions distributed to the community and visitors. The organization is entrusted each year to the Serving Priors, who succeed one another, keeping alive a popular tradition that intertwines faith, identity, and gastronomy.
Plate of Saint Anthony — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Plate of Saint Anthony Abbot renewed the devotion to the patron saint in Santa Maria degli Angeli. The eve of January 17th saw the traditional Focaraccio, the large bonfire in Piazza Garibaldi; the main day, January 18th, was marked by the solemn procession with the Carabinieri Band, the investiture of the incoming Priors, and the blessing of animals and bread on the Basilica's parvis.
The convivial heart of the feast, the distribution of the traditional dish: approximately 10,000 portions served in about thirty local restaurants. The 2026 organization was entrusted to the Serving Priors, while the Incoming Priors were invested to serve the dish in 2027.
Programme Plate of Saint Anthony 2026
Saturday, January 17, 2026 — Vigil
- Around 5:00 PM — Focaraccio, the large bonfire in Piazza Garibaldi
Sunday, January 18, 2026 — Feast Day
- 9:00 AM — Gathering of the Prioranze in Piazza Garibaldi and procession
- Holy Mass in the Basilica with investiture and oath of the incoming Priors
- 11:00 AM — Solemn procession with the Carabinieri Band, authorities, and associations
- 12:00 PM — Blessing of animals and bread on the Basilica's parvis; distribution of blessed bread and the traditional dish (approx. 10,000 portions in about thirty restaurants)
- 5:00 PM — Show at the Teatro Lyrick
- 8:30 PM — Lottery drawing at the Teatro Lyrick
Monday, January 19, 2026 — Conclusion
- 11:00 AM — Gathering of outgoing, serving, and incoming Priors; ceremony of the statue handover
- 1:00 PM — Thanksgiving banquet
Highlights Plate of Saint Anthony 2026
Prices Plate of Saint Anthony 2026
Practical information — Plate of Saint Anthony
How to get there
Santa Maria degli Angeli (Assisi, PG) is served by the Assisi-Santa Maria degli Angeli train station, a short walk from Piazza Garibaldi and the Basilica. By car: SS75 and the Perugia-Bettolle link road.
Admission
The Focaraccio, the procession, and the blessings take place in public spaces with free access. The traditional dish is served in participating local restaurants.
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Where does it take place — Plate of Saint Anthony
Piazza Garibaldi e Basilica, Santa Maria degli Angeli
Piazza Garibaldi, 06088 Assisi