Procession of Saint Anthony of Padua

One of Capua's most cherished traditions

The Procession of Saint Anthony of Padua is among the most attended expressions of popular faith in the town of Capua, located in the province of Caserta, in the heart of Campania. Every year, during the second week of June, the entire community rallies around the statue of the wonder-working Saint, creating an event that weaves together devotion, tradition, and collective identity. The feast acts as a powerful social glue, connecting the people of Capua, the city, and the local Church—a bond that has left significant marks of art, culture, and deep-rooted Christianity over the centuries.

The Tredicina

In keeping with the Antonian tradition, the celebrations are preceded by the tredicina, a spiritual journey that guides the faithful through the thirteen days leading up to the feast. During this period, symbols dear to the devotion, such as the blessed bread, are accompanied by prayers, Holy Masses, and blessings. The tredicina prepares the community's heart for the climax of the feast, marking the wait with a rhythm of reflection and participation.

The Procession of the Statue

The most anticipated moment is the solemn procession, when the statue of Saint Anthony is carried on the shoulders of the members of the Associazione Capuana Accollatori through the streets of the historic center, accompanied by the symphonic marches of a brass band. The procession winds through the main city streets and the ancient quarters, following a route that touches Via IV Novembre, Via Giovanni Ragozzino, Via della Libertà, Via Lamberto Lamberti, Via Tombe dei Garibaldini, Via Carcarone, and Via Luigi Baia, before returning to the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua. The passage of the statue amidst rows of the faithful is one of the most emotionally intense moments of the entire event.

History and Devotion

Devotion to Saint Anthony is rooted in a long-standing Capuan tradition: the prayer group has long operated from a chapel in the city center, promoting initiatives that culminate each year in the procession. The feast is an expression of faith, prayer, and sacrifice, maintaining a close link with the religious and civil history of Capua, one of the most memory-rich art cities in the province of Caserta.

The Atmosphere of the Feast

During the days of the feast, the center of Capua comes alive with activity: morning and evening liturgical celebrations alternate with community moments, while the streets along the route are closed to traffic to welcome the passage of the Saint. It is an opportunity to experience the city's most authentic identity in an atmosphere of reflection and warm popular sharing typical of patronal feasts in Southern Italy.