Saint Zeno Patron Saint Celebrations – Feast of Saint Zeno
The feast of Verona's Patron Saint, featuring faith, craftsmanship, and Veronese traditions
About Feast of Saint Zeno
Verona Celebrates its Patron Saint
The Celebrations of Saint Zeno the Patron Saint are one of the most cherished events in the city of Verona. Saint Zeno, the eighth bishop of Verona, is the city's patron saint, and his feast day combines the religious dimension, culminating in the splendid Romanesque Basilica of San Zeno, with the popular one, which enlivens the district with events and traditions.
Craftsmanship, Music, and Traditional Games
The San Zeno district hosts an elaborate program of popular festivities: over forty artisans display their crafts—from sewing to embroidery, from ceramics to mosaics—some even working directly in the square. There are also concerts, food and wine stalls, historical carousels, and the ancient traditional Veronese games (Lippa, Penacio, Tug-of-war, Piedritto), along with the Busker's Festival featuring street artists and musicians.
Religious Moments
The spiritual heart of the feast is in the Basilica of San Zeno, with the Solemn First Vespers presided over by the Bishop, who delivers the traditional 'Discourse to the City' before administrators and leaders of the local civil and military organizations, and the Eucharist of the solemnity. An occasion that blends faith, identity, and popular traditions in the heart of Verona, in the province of Verona (Veneto Region).
Feast of Saint Zeno — edition 2026
From May 18 to 21, 2026, the San Zeno district will celebrate Verona's Patron Saint with a program that combines popular festivities and religious moments. Over 40 artisans will liven up the squares with their crafts, alongside concerts, food and wine stalls, historical carousels, and traditional games. The Basilica of San Zeno will host the Solemn First Vespers presided over by Bishop Domenico Pompili and the Eucharist of the solemnity.
Programme Feast of Saint Zeno 2026
May 18–21 — Festivities in the District
- Over 40 artisans: sewing, embroidery, soap making, ceramics, carving, mosaics (some demonstrating their craft in the square)
- Concerts and food and wine stalls
- Historical carousels and ancient Veronese games: Lippa, Penacio, Tug-of-war, Piedritto
- Virtual and photographic treasure hunt
Saturday, May 19
- Parade of the masks of the Bacanal del Gnoco from Piazza Corrubbio to Piazza San Zeno
- First Busker's Festival with street artists and musicians
Wednesday, May 20 — 6:30 PM
- Solemn First Vespers of the Feast Day in the Basilica of San Zeno, presided over by Bishop Domenico Pompili, with the 'Discourse to the City'
Thursday, May 21
- Eucharist of the solemnity of Saint Zeno
Stalls open Friday 6 PM–midnight, other days 11 AM–midnight.
Highlights Feast of Saint Zeno 2026
Prices Feast of Saint Zeno 2026
Practical information — Feast of Saint Zeno
Getting Here
The San Zeno district and Basilica are located west of Verona's historic center, reachable on foot or by public transport. During the festival, stalls are concentrated in the district's squares.
Times and Admission
Stalls open on Friday from 6 PM to midnight and on other days from 11 AM to midnight. The popular festivities are free to enter.
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Where does it take place — Feast of Saint Zeno
Quartiere e Basilica di San Zeno
Piazza San Zeno, 37123 Verona