San Castrese Patronal Feast
The patron saint of Marano celebrated with the Passio Castrensis, processions, and the traditional bell tower fire
About San Castrese Feast
Marano di Napoli and its Patron Saint
February 11th is the most significant day of the year in Marano di Napoli, a town in the metropolitan area of Naples, Campania. On this day, the community celebrates the Solemnity of San Castrese, the city's patron saint, with a festival that weaves together solemn liturgy, popular devotion, and traditions passed down through generations. This is no staged tourist event; it is a moment of deep identity, where families return home and neighborhoods prepare for weeks in anticipation.
Who was San Castrese
According to tradition, Castrese was an African bishop who lived between the late 4th and mid-5th centuries during the Arian persecutions. Imprisoned alongside other Christians and bishops, he was reportedly abandoned at sea on a dilapidated boat; however, the vessel reached the coast of Campania with the entire crew safe. Castrese settled in Sinuessa, near modern-day Castel Volturno, where he served until his death on February 11th. His cult spread throughout the region, from Sessa Aurunca to Quarto, and has been deeply rooted in Marano for centuries.
The Relics and the Link to Monreale
In 1176, Archbishop Alfano gifted the saint's body, minus the head, to the Norman King William II as a wedding present; since then, the remains have rested in the Monreale Cathedral in Sicily. The parish of Marano houses a bone fragment, a tibia, kept in a silver reliquary. The temporary return of the urn containing the relics to Campania, after nearly 850 years, marked one of the most intense moments of recent devotion: Marano was the first stop of the Peregrinatio Sancti Castrensis.
The Peregrinatio Castrensis
In the weeks leading up to and following the feast, the Sacred Image of San Castrese visits the local parish communities in turn: this is the Peregrinatio Castrensis. In 2026, it began on January 11th, exactly one month before the solemnity. Each stop is marked by welcoming ceremonies, vigils, and celebrations involving Marano's various districts, from Convento to Vallesana, San Rocco to Immacolata, and Spirito Santo to SS. Annunziata.
The Day of the Solemnity
The schedule for February 11th follows a well-established pattern. At 9:00 AM, the chant of the Passio Castrensis resonates, followed by Holy Mass. At 10:00 AM, the procession of the Saint begins through the city streets—the most attended moment, with a route coordinated annually with the Municipal Police. In the afternoon, at 5:00 PM, the recitation of the full Holy Rosary prepares the community for the solemn Eucharistic Celebration at 7:00 PM, concelebrated by all the priests of Marano and presided over by a guest bishop.
The Octave and the Bell Tower Fire
The festivities do not end in a single day. The octave, celebrated the following Sunday, includes morning Mass, a second procession segment, evening rites, and the lighting of the votive lamp, through which the city is entrusted to its patron. The grand finale is the most spectacular part: the traditional burning of the bell tower and a fireworks display that illuminates the sky above the square, drawing crowds from neighboring towns in the northern Naples area.
What to expect
- An authentic, popular, free, and open-air festival in the heart of Marano di Napoli.
- Solemn liturgical rites combined with convivial neighborhood gatherings.
- The long procession on February 11th, the emotional heart of the day.
- The bell tower fire and fireworks on the evening of the octave.
- An opportunity to discover a cult little-known to visitors but deeply ingrained in northern Campania.
San Castrese Feast — edition 2026
A Month of Celebration
The 2026 edition of the San Castrese patronal feast in Marano di Napoli unfolded over an unusually long period. On January 11th, exactly one month before the solemnity, the Peregrinatio Castrensis began: the Sacred Image of the patron saint visited the local parish communities one by one, bringing devotion to the neighborhoods before the city gathered in the center.
The Novena and the Solemnity
From February 2nd to 10th, the preparatory novena marked the days with the Holy Rosary and Holy Mass at 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM. On Wednesday, February 11th, the day began at 9:00 AM with the chant of the Passio Castrensis and Holy Mass, followed at 10:00 AM by the procession of the Saint through the streets of Marano. At 5:00 PM, the recitation of the full Holy Rosary prepared for the solemn Eucharistic Celebration at 7:00 PM, presided over by H.E. Mons. Massimiliano Palinuro, Apostolic Vicar, and concelebrated by the city's priests.
The Octave and the Fireworks
On Sunday, February 22nd, the octave closed the cycle: Mass and procession at 10:00 AM, evening celebration at 7:00 PM presided over by Father Castrese Marra with the octave rites, the repositioning of the Sacred Image accompanied by the Te Deum, and the lighting of the votive lamp to entrust the city to its patron. At 8:30 PM, the traditional bell tower fire and fireworks concluded the festivities.
Programme San Castrese Feast 2026
Peregrinatio Castrensis
- From January 11th: Pilgrimage of the Sacred Image of San Castrese in the parish communities of Marano
Preparatory Novena - February 2nd to 10th
- 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM: Holy Rosary followed by Holy Mass
Wednesday, February 11th - Solemnity of San Castrese
- 9:00 AM: Chant of the Passio Castrensis and Holy Mass
- 10:00 AM: Procession of the Saint through the city streets
- 5:00 PM: Recitation of the full Holy Rosary
- 7:00 PM: Solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by H.E. Mons. Massimiliano Palinuro, Apostolic Vicar, and concelebrated by the priests of Marano
Sunday, February 22nd - Octave of San Castrese
- 10:00 AM: Holy Mass and procession
- 7:00 PM: Celebration presided over by Father Castrese Marra, octave rites, repositioning of the Sacred Image with the Te Deum, and lighting of the votive lamp to entrust the city to the Saint
- 8:30 PM: Bell tower fire and fireworks display
Highlights San Castrese Feast 2026
- Chant of the Passio Castrensis at 9:00 AM on February 11th
- Procession of the patron saint through the streets of Marano di Napoli (10:00 AM)
- Solemn Mass at 7:00 PM presided over by H.E. Mons. Massimiliano Palinuro
- Peregrinatio Castrensis in local parishes starting January 11th
- Lighting of the votive lamp and entrustment of the city to the Saint
- Bell tower fire and fireworks on February 22nd
Prices San Castrese Feast 2026
Practical information — San Castrese Feast
How to get there
Marano di Napoli is located a few kilometers north of Naples. By car, take the Naples Tangenziale (exit at Camaldoli or Arenella) and continue toward Marano. By train, the reference station is Napoli Centrale, from which you can reach the town via ANM/EAV bus connections. The nearest airport is Naples-Capodichino, about 15 km away.
Where it takes place
The center of the celebrations is the Parish Church of San Castrese, located at Via Parrocchia 46; the procession winds through the city center streets according to the route established annually with the Municipal Police.
Costs
All celebrations, the procession, and the fireworks display are free and open to the public.
Useful tips
During the procession, several streets in the center are closed to traffic: it is advisable to arrive early and park in the peripheral areas. February can be cold and rainy, so dress accordingly. For updated schedules and any changes to the route, please check the parish website or its social media channels.
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Where does it take place — San Castrese Feast
Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Castrese e vie del centro cittadino
Via Parrocchia, 46, 80016 Marano di Napoli