Solemnity of Saint Alexander
Edition 2026 Sacred music Brass band Choir

Solemnity of Saint Alexander

The feast of the patron saint of Melfi in the heart of Lucanian winter

Melfi — Potenza (076)
Dates 31 Jan — 09 Feb 2026
Location Melfi (076)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Saint Alexander Melfi

The Solemnity of Saint Alexander is the feast of the patron saint of Melfi, celebrated every February 9th. Amidst solemn masses, moments of prayer, and the traditional performance of the Melfi Musical Band, the city rallies around its protector. 2026 is a particularly significant year, marking the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the relics and the 950th anniversary of the Cathedral.

The patron saint of Melfi

As February gets underway, Melfi celebrates its patron saint: Saint Alexander, whose solemnity falls on February 9th. It is an intimate and profound celebration, experienced primarily in its religious and community dimensions, marking the winter calendar of the city of Vulture.

A week of celebrations

The feast is not confined to the patron saint's day alone; it is preceded by a novena and a series of spiritual events that animate the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Duomo of Melfi. Through rosaries, solemn masses, Eucharistic days, and moments of cultural reflection, the community prepares for the day of Saint Alexander, presided over by the Bishop of the diocese of Melfi-Rapolla-Venosa.

The Melfi Musical Band

Among the most anticipated events is the concert by the Melfi Musical Band, which on the evening of February 9th brings its music to the heart of the city, blending devotional, festive, and popular elements.

2026, a special year

The 2026 edition holds particular significance: it marks the 400th anniversary of the arrival of Saint Alexander's relics in Melfi and the 950th anniversary of the Cathedral, two anniversaries that intertwine the religious and civil history of the city. An opportunity to rediscover the deep bond between Melfi, its cathedral, and the patron saint who has accompanied its history for centuries, within the context of the diocese and the Province of Potenza.

Saint Alexander Melfi — edition 2026

The Solemnity of Saint Alexander 2026 runs from January 31st to February 9th, the day of Melfi's patron saint. A program of novena, Eucharistic celebrations, and cultural meetings culminates in the solemn masses on February 9th presided over by the Bishop and the evening concert by the Melfi Musical Band. 2026 commemorates the 400th anniversary of the relics and the 950th anniversary of the Cathedral.

The 2026 edition

The celebrations for Saint Alexander 2026 begin on January 31st with the novena and continue until February 9th, the day of the solemnity. The program, published by the Diocese of Melfi-Rapolla-Venosa, alternates moments of prayer, Eucharistic days, and cultural events, in a year made special by the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the relics and the 950th anniversary of the Cathedral.

Programme Saint Alexander Melfi 2026

2026 Program

  • January 31 - Start of the novena: rosary (6:00 PM) and mass (6:30 PM)
  • February 2 - Presentation of the Lord: masses at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM; choral concert in the evening
  • February 5 - 'Mensa della Parola' (Table of the Word) at 7:30 PM
  • February 7 - Eucharistic day with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • February 8 - Cultural meeting and anniversary of the ordination of the Bishop Emeritus
  • February 9 - Solemnity of Saint Alexander - Masses at 11:00 AM and 6:30 PM (presided over by the Bishop); children's tribute at 5:15 PM; concert by the Melfi Musical Band at 8:00 PM

Highlights Saint Alexander Melfi 2026

The solemn masses on February 9th presided over by the Bishop, the concert by the Melfi Musical Band, and the anniversaries of the 400th of the relics and the 950th of the Cathedral.

Prices Saint Alexander Melfi 2026

Free admission to all celebrations.

Practical information — Saint Alexander Melfi

How to get there

Melfi can be reached via the Candela exit on the A16, then SS 655 and SS 658. The celebrations take place in the Cathedral, in the historic center.

Admission

Religious services and the band concert are free to attend.

Information

Diocese of Melfi-Rapolla-Venosa - www.diocesimelfi.it

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Where does it take place — Saint Alexander Melfi

Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta (Duomo di Melfi)

Contact Saint Alexander Melfi

Saint Alexander Melfi in brief

Sacred music Brass band Choir Heritage Folk traditions Folklore Outdoor Free Multidisciplinary Potenza

History of Saint Alexander Melfi