Saint John the Baptist Festival (Patron Saint of Chianciano Terme)
Celebrating the patron saint with a historical pageant of oxen and horses, and gourmet evenings in the heart of the Sienese Valdichiana
About Saint John Festival
The Patron Saint Festival of Chianciano Terme
The Saint John the Baptist Festival is the most cherished event in the calendar of Chianciano Terme, a spa town in the Province of Siena, nestled in the heart of the Tuscan Valdichiana. Dedicated to the patron saint, whose feast day falls on June 24th, the festival blends religious observance with popular rural traditions, drawing both residents and visitors to the historic center each year.
The historical pageant of oxen and horses
The core of the event is the historical pageant, organized by the Associazione Culturale La Campana: a parade of about seventy costumed participants, complete with oxen, horses, vintage carriages, and colorful banners that evoke the community's farming roots. The procession starts at Piazza Indipendenza, winds through the town's main streets, and concludes at the Viale Dante Public Gardens, where the traditional blessing of the animals takes place, accompanied by the melodies of the "Bonaventura Somma" Brass Band.
This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages; it is said that as early as the 12th century, the Bishop of Chiusi would receive tributes while passing through the Porta del Sole, accompanied by nobles and clergy. Today, the re-enactment keeps that memory alive, celebrating the deep bond between the town, the land, and agricultural labor.
Gourmet evenings
Alongside the pageant, the festival features several gourmet evenings in Piazzolina dei Soldati, in the historic center. Each night is dedicated to a different culinary theme, with stalls offering typical local dishes: from grilled meats to handmade pici pasta, and other Tuscan farmhouse specialties. These popular evenings attract hundreds of diners, with a portion of the proceeds traditionally donated to charity.
Sport and tradition
The program also includes entertainment throughout the town, such as the evening walk and the "Notturna di San Giovanni", a footrace that runs through the streets of the center. The religious celebration, with a Solemn Mass in the Collegiata Church, completes a festival that has represented the identity of Chianciano Terme for decades.
An experience to live
Experiencing the Saint John Festival means discovering the authentic soul of Chianciano Terme, beyond its fame as a city of wellness and spas. It is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the most genuine Tuscan traditions, amidst faith, folklore, great food, and the sense of community that defines the villages of the Valdichiana.
Saint John Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 Saint John the Baptist Festival in Chianciano Terme takes place from June 24 to 28, on the occasion of the patron saint's feast day. The event, organized by the Associazione Culturale La Campana, maintains its long-standing structure: the Solemn Mass in the Collegiata Church, the historical pageant with oxen, horses, and costumed participants from Piazza Indipendenza, the blessing of the animals with the "Bonaventura Somma" Band, and the gourmet evenings in Piazzolina dei Soldati.
As of today, the detailed calendar for the 2026 edition, including precise times and dinner themes, has not yet been fully published. It is recommended to consult the official channels of the organizing association and the Municipality for the complete program.
Programme Saint John Festival 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition, including times and evening themes, will be announced in the weeks leading up to the event. Based on recent editions, the festival traditionally includes:
- Solemn Mass of Saint John the Baptist in the Collegiata Church, on the patron saint's day (June 24).
- Gourmet evenings in Piazzolina dei Soldati, starting at 7:00 PM, each dedicated to a culinary theme (recent years featured "Pazzi di Stinco", "Nel paradiso della bistecca", "Piatti di Campagna").
- "Notturna di San Giovanni", an evening walk and footrace through the streets of the historic center.
- Historical pageant of oxen and horses, departing at 10:00 AM from Piazza Indipendenza and arriving at the Viale Dante Public Gardens, where the blessing of the animals takes place, accompanied by the "Bonaventura Somma" Brass Band.
Final details for the 2026 edition will be confirmed by the Associazione Culturale La Campana.
Highlights Saint John Festival 2026
- Historical pageant with about 70 participants, oxen, horses, and vintage carriages
- Blessing of the animals at the Public Gardens with the "Bonaventura Somma" Band
- Themed gourmet evenings in Piazzolina dei Soldati
- Solemn Mass in the Collegiata Church
Prices Saint John Festival 2026
Practical information — Saint John Festival
How to get there
Chianciano Terme is located in the Province of Siena, along the A1 motorway (take the Chiusi-Chianciano Terme exit, just a few kilometers from the center). The nearest train station is Chiusi-Chianciano Terme, connected to the Rome-Florence line, with bus service to the town center.
Where it takes place
The gourmet evenings are held in Piazzolina dei Soldati, in the historic center; the historical pageant starts at Piazza Indipendenza and ends at the Viale Dante Public Gardens.
Tips
Admission to the events in the square is free; for the themed dinners, booking with the Associazione Culturale La Campana is recommended. It is advisable to check updated dates and times on official channels before traveling.
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Where does it take place — Saint John Festival
Centro storico di Chianciano Terme
Piazzolina dei Soldati, 53042 Chianciano Terme