Saint Leo IX Patronal Feast

A patronal feast in the Upper Sele Valley

The Saint Leo IX Patronal Feast is the most cherished event of the year in Colliano, a small town in the province of Salerno, Campania. Every July, the village, perched at the foot of Mount Marzano in the Upper Sele Valley, pauses its daily routine for a day of celebrations that weave together liturgy, music, and conviviality. It is a community festival in the truest sense: emigrants return home, family houses are reopened, and the squares bustle with life until late at night.

Who was Saint Leo IX?

The patron saint of Colliano is Saint Leo IX, the Alsatian pope who led the Church in the mid-11th century and whom local devotion has associated for centuries with the values of peace, justice, and unity. His feast day falls in the second half of July, and in Colliano, it is celebrated on the nearest Sunday to ensure the entire community can participate. The village itself appears in documents as early as the 13th century, in a letter from Pope Innocent III to the Bishop of Conza: the bond between the town and the papal memory is as ancient as its stones.

The religious heart: solemn mass and procession

The highlight of the day is the solemn mass in honor of the patron saint, followed by the procession of the statue of Saint Leo IX through the streets and alleys of the historic center. The parade is accompanied by a brass band and the faithful, passing by decorated balconies and stopping before the town's churches. It is a moment that defines Colliano's identity: not a ritual staged for visitors, but a shared act of devotion passed down through generations.

The secular side: music, flavors, and fireworks

Once the procession concludes, the atmosphere shifts, and the town comes alive until late. The secular program combines tradition with entertainment:

• Food stalls featuring the cuisine of the Sele Valley: lagane and chickpeas, cured meats, local cheeses, and homemade desserts;
• Evening musical show in the square, with various artists and bands taking the stage;
• Traditional games and activities for children throughout the day;
• Grand finale fireworks, bidding farewell to the patron saint and closing the festivities.

Admission to all events is free, following the classic tradition of Southern Italian patronal feasts: you simply join in, no tickets required.

The 2026 edition and the concert by Chiara Galiazzo

The 2026 festivities culminated on Sunday, July 19th, with a free concert by Chiara Galiazzo, one of the most acclaimed performers in the Italian music scene, who rose to fame after winning the sixth edition of X Factor. A nationally recognized name that drew a crowd to Colliano far beyond the local residents, confirming the festival's status as a key date in the summer calendar of free concerts in Campania.

Colliano, the village hosting the festival

With just under four thousand inhabitants, Colliano stretches out at the foot of Mount Marzano, in an area of meadows, reforestation projects, and protected zones where buzzards, kites, and wolves still roam. The town preserves the remains of a Norman castle and ancient churches like San Martino and Santa Maria del Borgo, dating back to the Middle Ages, while the hamlet of Collianello offers ruins and scenic trails across the surrounding hills. The area is also famous for its black truffle, celebrated in autumn with a dedicated market: those arriving for the patronal feast will find a village worth visiting even outside the July dates.

Tips for your visit

The festival is concentrated in the historic center, characterized by narrow, sloping streets: it is best to leave your car in the parking areas at the entrance to the town and continue on foot. July evenings at this altitude can be cool, so bringing a light sweater is advisable. Those who want to experience the full day can combine the morning mass, the afternoon food stalls, and the evening concert in the square: that is how the locals live it.