San Jacopo Festival – Patron Saint of Reggello

The Reggello Patron Saint Festival

On July 25th, Reggello celebrates its patron saint, San Jacopo – also known as Saint James the Greater – with a festival that brings the entire community together in Piazza IV Novembre, the heart of the town. Located in the Florentine Valdarno, at the foot of the Pratomagno mountains and just a few kilometers from the Abbey of Vallombrosa, the municipality of Reggello keeps this tradition alive, weaving together religious observance and community spirit, in the true style of Tuscan patronal feasts.

The Religious Celebration

The centerpiece of the evening is the solemn Holy Mass held in the square, accompanied by the singing of the Corale di San Jacopo. This evocative and well-attended celebration gathers the faithful outdoors on a summer evening, bringing the intimate atmosphere of the great liturgical calendar events back to Reggello. Saint James the Greater, apostle and patron of pilgrims, is celebrated throughout Christendom on July 25th.

Music and Fireworks

Following the religious service, the festivities continue with a concert by the BandOrchestra di Reggello, conducted by Maestro Massimo Cardelli, a historic local musical ensemble. The most anticipated moment is the fireworks display which, set to the band's music, illuminates the sky over the historic center, marking the conclusion of the patronal festival. The fireworks show attracts families and visitors from across the Valdarno every year.

A Tradition in the Heart of the Valdarno

The San Jacopo Festival is part of Reggello's rich summer calendar, in the Metropolitan City of Florence (Tuscany), often coinciding with the Notti d'Estate (Summer Nights) cultural series, which enlivens the town with concerts, performances, and literary meetings in the second half of July. For visitors, attending the festival is also an opportunity to discover a fascinating territory, nestled among the woods of Pratomagno, Romanesque villas and parish churches, and the nearby monumental forest of Vallombrosa.

Useful Information

The festival is free and open to the public. Celebrations take place in the evening in Piazza IV Novembre, in the center of Reggello. The event is organized by the Municipality of Reggello in collaboration with the local parish and associations.