Saint Valentine's Day Festival – Patron Saint of Terni
The city of love celebrates its Patron Saint, Saint Valentine
About Saint Valentine in Terni
Terni, the city of Saint Valentine
Terni presents itself to the world as the city of love: according to tradition, it was here, in ancient Interamna, that Valentine, the saint venerated by the Church as the patron of lovers and celebrated by the city as its Patron Saint, was born and served as bishop. His relics are kept in the Basilica of Saint Valentine, a pilgrimage destination from all over the world on the days of the festival.
A month of celebrations
The festival is not a single day but a true cycle of events that spans the entire month of February, organized by the Diocese of Terni-Narni-Amelia together with the Municipality of Terni. The religious heart is the solemn pontifical mass celebrated in the Cathedral by the bishop, with the transfer and return of the reliquary to the Basilica accompanied by a civic procession through the streets of the center.
The Promise Ceremony
Among the most heartfelt moments is the Promise Ceremony: dozens of engaged couples from all over Italy come to the Basilica to renew their commitment of love before the saint's tomb. Alongside them, the celebrations for Golden and Silver Wedding Anniversaries for couples celebrating their wedding anniversaries.
Culture, music, and sweetness
Around the religious core, a rich secular program flourishes: videomapping at Palazzo Spada that tells the legend of the saint, the Saint Valentine Jazz festivals, the Cioccolentino chocolate festival, light installations in the squares, exhibitions, meetings, and historical re-enactments. Added to these is the traditional Saint Valentine's Fair. The festival makes Terni, in the province and capital of southern Umbria, one of Italy's most beloved destinations in the month of lovers.
Saint Valentine in Terni — edition 2026
The theme of the 2026 edition was 'Saint Valentine, a proposal of holiness for young people'. The calendar opened on February 5 with the show 'La dimora di Dio' at the Secci Theater and continued until March 16.
Key moments: on February 8, the Promise Ceremony for engaged couples at the Basilica of Saint Valentine (11:00 AM); on February 14, the pontifical mass in the Basilica and the evening transfer of the reliquary to the Cathedral with a prayer vigil; on February 15, the solemn pontifical mass in the Cathedral (10:30 AM) presided over by Bishop Monsignor Francesco Antonio Soddu, followed by the civic procession returning to the Basilica. On February 22 and March 1, the celebrations for Silver and Golden Wedding Anniversaries. On March 16, at the Politeama cinema, the award ceremony for the art competition with Maestro Mogol.
Programme Saint Valentine in Terni 2026
February 5 – Opening
- Inaugural show 'La dimora di Dio' at the Secci Theater
February 7
- Peace Day for young people
February 8 – Promise Ceremony
- 11:00 AM — Promise Ceremony for engaged couples at the Basilica of Saint Valentine (approx. 40 couples)
February 12–15
- Cioccolentino, chocolate festival in the city center
- Saint Valentine Jazz festival (February 5–15)
- Videomapping at Palazzo Spada 'Saint Valentine of Terni: beyond the legend'
February 14
- Pontifical mass at the Basilica of Saint Valentine
- In the evening, transfer of the reliquary to the Cathedral with a prayer vigil
February 15
- 10:30 AM — Solemn Pontifical Mass in the Cathedral presided over by Bishop Mons. Francesco Antonio Soddu
- Civic procession with horses and drums for the return of the reliquary to the Basilica
February 22 and March 1
- Celebration of Silver and Golden Wedding Anniversaries
March 16
- Award ceremony for the art competition at the Politeama cinema with Maestro Mogol
Highlights Saint Valentine in Terni 2026
Prices Saint Valentine in Terni 2026
Practical information — Saint Valentine in Terni
How to get there
Terni is well connected by train (station on the Rome-Ancona and Rome-Terni-Spoleto lines) and by car via the E45 and the Terni-Orte highway. The Basilica of Saint Valentine is located in the hamlet of the same name, south of the city.
Admission
Religious celebrations and most of the events spread throughout the city are free to enter. Reservations may be required for some performances.
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Where does it take place — Saint Valentine in Terni
Basilica di San Valentino e Cattedrale di Terni
Basilica di San Valentino, Via di San Valentino, 05100 Terni