Saint Anthony of Padua Patronal Feast

A devotion that marks the year in Marzano Appio

Saint Anthony of Padua is the patron saint of Marzano Appio, a small town of just over 1,900 inhabitants in the province of Caserta, Campania, nestled at an altitude of about 300 meters on the slopes of the extinct Roccamonfina volcano. The Saint Anthony of Padua Patronal Feast is by far the most anticipated event on the local calendar: it combines the liturgical dimension, linked to the memory of the saint who lived between Lisbon and Padua, with the civil one, featuring a brass band, illuminations, food stalls, and fireworks.

Two moments: June 13th and the last Sunday of August

The festival calendar is divided into two parts. June 13th marks the liturgical date of Saint Anthony of Padua, celebrated in town with a solemn mass in the church dedicated to the saint and a procession through the streets. The external festivities, which are larger and more popular, are held on the last Sunday of August: a choice handed down for generations to allow the return of Marzano emigrants, who return to their hometown during those days to reunite with family and friends.

The musical bell tower firework display

The highlight of the festival is the firework display on the bell tower of the San Sebastiano church, the town's parish church. The bell tower is literally enveloped by pyrotechnics: in recent years, the tradition has been enriched by a musical component, with fireworks synchronized to the notes of selected tracks, creating a musical pyrotechnic show that attracts audiences from neighboring towns. The ignition usually takes place in the early evening, immediately after the return of the procession, and is the moment when the whole town gathers with eyes turned upward.

How the day unfolds

• Morning: Reveille with firecrackers and a tour of the brass band through the town streets.
• Late morning: Solemn Eucharistic celebration, which has often been presided over by the bishop of the Teano-Calvi diocese.
• Late afternoon: Procession with the statue of Saint Anthony accompanied by the band.
• Evening: Musical bell tower firework display, food stalls, and music in the square.

The town and its territory

Marzano Appio is scattered across about fifteen hamlets — including Terracorpo, Ameglio, Campagnola, Vallecupa, and San Lorenzo — and is part of the Roccamonfina-Foce Garigliano Regional Park. Above the village of Terracorpo stands the medieval castle, while the Carmine church with its frescoes is preserved in the hamlet of Vallecupa. The area is known for its chestnuts, particularly the 'tempestiva' variety, and for the porcini mushrooms of the volcano: products that return punctually to the festival tables and the stalls set up by the committee.

Not just the patronal feast

The calendar of Marzano Appio includes two other historical events. At the end of July, the Saint James Fair is held, which local tradition dates back to 1299 and a privilege of King Charles of Anjou, with stalls of typical products and crafts and the performance of flag-wavers. In autumn, it is the turn of the Chestnut Festival, organized by the Pro Loco to promote forest fruits and the peasant cuisine of the Upper Caserta area.

A free and popular event

The Saint Anthony of Padua Patronal Feast takes place entirely outdoors, between the square, the churchyard, and the village streets, and is free to access. The organization is entrusted to the Saint Anthony Feast Committee of Marzano Appio, which collects the necessary funds each year and communicates the program through its social channels and notices posted in town: it is always useful to check them before setting off, as times and details may vary from year to year.