Saint John the Baptist Patronal Feast in Pannarano

A patronal feast at the foot of the Partenio

In late June, Pannarano—a small town of just under two thousand inhabitants in the province of Benevento—comes together to celebrate its patron saint, Saint John the Baptist. Located in the Partenio massif on the border between the Sannio and Irpinia regions, this mountain village lies about forty kilometers from Naples and fifteen from Benevento, where the patronal feast remains the most cherished event of the year for the entire community.

The liturgical feast of Saint John the Baptist falls on June 24th, and the surrounding days are filled with religious and civil celebrations that animate the town, leading up to the grand pyrotechnic finale on the following Saturday.

Devotion, liturgy, and tradition

The heart of the festival remains religious: the celebrations at the parish church of Saint John the Baptist, the solemn services, and the traditional rites that accompany the saint's procession through the village streets. It is a day of deep devotion and collective participation, drawing a significant number of faithful and visitors from neighboring Partenio towns, such as Pietrastornina, San Martino Valle Caudina, Roccabascerana, and Summonte, as well as from the Naples metropolitan area.

The processions are traditionally accompanied by the Concerto Bandistico Città di Pannarano 2000, the local brass band, which is highly active even beyond the municipal borders; its presence at patronal feasts throughout Sannio and Irpinia is one of Pannarano's most recognizable hallmarks.

The pyrotechnic tradition: the town's signature

Many patronal feasts in Campania feature fireworks, but in Pannarano, pyrotechnics are almost a local vocation. The town is home to the La Piromagia firm, led by the Russo family, a name well-known in the Italian pyromusical circuit and commissioned for events far beyond the Sannio region. For this reason, the Saint John the Baptist feast is closely followed by industry enthusiasts: ground batteries, tributes during the saint's passage, evening shows, and a grand finale that lights up the mountain slope.

The 2026 Edition

In 2026, the climax took place on Saturday, June 27th at 9:30 PM, with a spectacular pyrotechnic evening: a drone and firework show by PYROEMOTION and F.lli Del Vicario, followed by a pyromusical performance by La Piromagia. The day, spent between liturgical celebrations and traditional rites, saw a large turnout of faithful and visitors. The evening was also dedicated to the memory of pyrotechnician Gaetano Russo, who passed away shortly before: a tribute that speaks volumes about the bond between this inland Campania town and its art of fire.

The village and the Montagna di Sopra WWF Oasis

Visitors coming to Pannarano for the feast will find a territory worth exploring further. The town hosts the Montagna di Sopra WWF Oasis, a naturalistic area in the Partenio mountains featuring trails, springs like the Acqua delle Vene, and a rich biodiversity. Throughout the year, it hosts environmental education initiatives and cultural events. The local gastronomy reflects the Sannio and Irpinia mountain traditions: handmade fresh pasta, pecorino cheese, cured meats, chestnuts, and Partenio hazelnuts.

Why it is worth visiting

• An authentic, non-touristy patronal feast in a mountain village in inland Campania.
• One of the most refined pyrotechnic traditions in the province of Benevento, featuring top-tier firms.
• The music of the Concerto Bandistico Città di Pannarano 2000 and the intimate atmosphere of the town center.
• Proximity to the Montagna di Sopra WWF Oasis, allowing you to combine the festival with a nature excursion.