Procession in Honor of Saint Anthony of Padua

Devotion to Saint Anthony in the village of Ciorlano

In the heart of the Upper Caserta region, nestled among the mountains bordering Molise, the village of Ciorlano preserves one of its most heartfelt religious traditions: the Procession in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua, which brings the entire community together every June 13th. With its roughly five hundred inhabitants, Ciorlano is the smallest municipality in the province of Caserta, Campania, and this intimate scale makes the feast a moment of authentic village cohesion.

A celebration of faith and community

Although the town's primary patron saint is Saint Nicholas of Bari, the figure of Saint Anthony of Padua—the Saint of miracles and one of Italy's most beloved figures—holds a special place in Ciorlano's devotional calendar. On June 13th, the Saint's liturgical feast day, the town pauses to accompany the statue along the streets of the historic center in a procession that weaves together prayer, singing, and the participation of families, the elderly, and emigrants who return specifically for the occasion.

The rite of the procession

The highlight is the procession that traverses the streets of the ancient village, passing between stone houses and narrow alleys. To ensure it proceeds smoothly, the Municipality of Ciorlano issues a specific traffic ordinance every year, a testament to the event's importance to village life. The route winds from the parish church along the main streets, with the community following the Saint's effigy in an atmosphere of reflection and celebration.

Ciorlano and the Upper Caserta region

An ancient pagus from the Lombard era and later a castle donated in 1064 to the Benedictines of Montecassino, Ciorlano boasts a thousand-year history that can still be felt within its village walls. The feast of Saint Anthony is part of a rich calendar of traditional events that mark the year, from spring and autumn fairs to patronal celebrations. For visitors, participating in the procession means discovering an authentic and little-known corner of inland Campania, far from the most beaten tourist paths.

Useful information

The Procession in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua is held on June 13th in Ciorlano, in the province of Caserta, and is a free-entry event. For precise times and the updated route, it is advisable to contact the local parish or the Municipality of Ciorlano.