Saint Maurus Festival
The patron saint of Gessate and the firun market
About Saint Maurus Festival
Saint Maurus Abbot, Patron Saint of Gessate
The Saint Maurus Festival celebrates the patron saint of Gessate (Metropolitan City of Milan), Saint Maurus Abbot, whose feast day falls on January 15th. It is one of the most characteristic festivals in the Martesana, the area northeast of Milan, and combines the religious dimension with the popular aspect of an ancient fair.
The Fair and the Firun
The most traditional moment is the Saint Maurus Fair, which takes place along Via Badia:
- Stalls selling sweets and local products;
- Firun, the characteristic necklaces of chestnuts, displayed on the church steps;
- Religious celebration with a mass in honor of the patron saint;
- Festive atmosphere in the heart of winter.
A Martesana Tradition
The firun, the chestnut necklaces, are a symbol of the festival and tell of an ancient custom linked to the peasant culture of the Martesana. The Saint Maurus Festival represents an identity event for Gessate, capable of attracting residents and visitors from neighboring towns on a January day dedicated to the patron saint and local traditions, just a few kilometers from Milan.
Saint Maurus Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition takes place on Thursday, January 15th, the feast day of Saint Maurus Abbot, patron saint of Gessate. The Saint Maurus Fair enlivens Via Badia with stalls selling sweets and the characteristic firun, necklaces of chestnuts displayed on the church steps, while the religious celebration renews the community's devotion to the patron saint.
Programme Saint Maurus Festival 2026
Thursday, January 15th
- Religious service (mass) in honor of Saint Maurus Abbot, patron saint of Gessate
- Saint Maurus Fair along Via Badia: stalls selling sweets and local products
- Display of firun, the chestnut necklaces, on the church steps
Highlights Saint Maurus Festival 2026
Prices Saint Maurus Festival 2026
Practical information — Saint Maurus Festival
How to get there
Gessate is located in the Metropolitan City of Milan, in the Martesana, and is the terminus of Milan's M2 (green) metro line. The festival takes place along Via Badia and in the town center.
Admission
Free admission. The fair and religious celebrations are held on January 15th.
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Where does it take place — Saint Maurus Festival
Via Badia e centro paese
Via Badia, 20060 Gessate