San Tito Decennial Festival
The festival that happens once every ten years: in 2026, the grand centenary
About San Tito Decennial Festival
A Festival Unique in the World, Every Ten Years
The San Tito Decennial Festival is an exceptional event that Casorate Sempione, a municipality in the Province of Varese near Malpensa, celebrates only once every ten years, in years ending with 6. After 2016, the event returns in 2026 with a special significance: it is the centenary of the festival, which began in 1926. Its rarity makes it an event of strong emotional and identity value, awaited for an entire generation.
Origins: A Festival to Unite the Town
The tradition began in 1926, when Don Luigi Mariani conceived the celebration to mend a community divided between fascists, socialists, and Catholics, using devotion to Saint Titus as a social glue. The relics of the saint—a Roman deacon known for his charity towards the poor—had arrived in Casorate in the 17th century, but it was only with the 1926 festival that their popular veneration took shape. Since then, every ten years, the town pauses to honor its patron.
The Million Handmade Flowers
The most spectacular symbol of the festival is the paper and plastic flowers: thousands of flowers handmade by the inhabitants of the districts to decorate the 19 streets of the center. Crepe paper, recycled plastic, dyed nylon stockings, foil, and every possible material are used, in a collective effort that begins at least two years before the event. The entire town, district by district, transforms into a hub of creativity and community.
Cannon Shots, Processions, and Risotto
The program alternates religious moments and popular festivities over ten days of celebrations. Cannon shots officially inaugurate the festival, solemn processions carry the urn with Saint Titus's relics through the streets, while concerts, shows, cabaret, and fireworks liven up the evenings. The unmissable risotto feast served in the square is the symbolic dish of Casorate's conviviality. The 2016 edition attracted about one hundred thousand visitors to a town of five thousand inhabitants, testifying to the extraordinary appeal of this decennial festival in the Varese region.
San Tito Decennial Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the San Tito Decennial Festival is one of the most anticipated ever: it coincides with the centenary of the festival, which began in 1926. From September 3 to 13, for ten days, Casorate Sempione transforms with its districts decorated by over a million paper and plastic flowers handmade over two years of preparation. Cannon shots officially open the festival, solemn processions carry the urn with the saint's relics through the streets, and the program alternates religious moments with concerts, cabaret, shows, fireworks, and the traditional risotto feast in the square.
Programme San Tito Decennial Festival 2026
The detailed program for the centenary, day by day, will be published by the parish and the district committee in the weeks preceding the event. Based on the decennial tradition, the festival structure includes:
Opening — September 3
- Inaugural cannon shots
- Unveiling of the floral decorations of the districts along the 19 streets of the center
During the Ten Days
- Solemn processions with the urn containing the relics of Saint Titus
- Religious celebrations and solemn masses
- Evening concerts, shows, and cabaret
- Fireworks
- The grand risotto feast in the square
- Visits to the districts decorated with the million handmade flowers
Closing — September 13
- Concluding celebrations of the centenary
In the preceding months, the districts organize introductory events and fundraising activities, such as the community dinners 'Rioni in festa' (Districts celebrating).
Highlights San Tito Decennial Festival 2026
Prices San Tito Decennial Festival 2026
Practical information — San Tito Decennial Festival
When
From September 3 to 13, 2026 (the festival is held only once every ten years).
Where
Historic center of Casorate Sempione (VA) and Church of San Tito.
Costs
Free admission to the celebrations and the district decorations. Some gastronomic activities are paid.
How to get there
By car from the A8 (exit towards Gallarate/Sesto Calende) or from the SS33 del Sempione; the town is a few minutes from Malpensa Airport. Nearest train stations are Gallarate or Sesto Calende.
Tip
As this is a decennial event with large crowds, it is advisable to plan your visit and potential overnight stay in the Varese area well in advance.
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Where does it take place — San Tito Decennial Festival
Centro di Casorate Sempione e Chiesa di San Tito
Centro storico, 21011 Casorate Sempione