Solemnity of San Bernardino da Siena (and San Bernardino Fair)

The feast of L'Aquila's co-patron saint

Every May, the city of L'Aquila gathers to honor San Bernardino da Siena, the Franciscan friar who passed away in the Abruzzo capital in 1444 and has been revered for centuries as the city's co-patron alongside Pope Celestine V. The celebrations, organized by the Basilica of San Bernardino da Siena with the Friars Minor and the support of the Municipality of L'Aquila, weave together liturgy, culture, and popular tradition in a multi-day calendar that engages the entire historic center.

A cult rooted in the city's history

A tireless preacher and a leading figure of 15th-century Franciscanism, Bernardino degli Albizzeschi died in L'Aquila while on a journey. The city claimed his remains and raised the grand Basilica of San Bernardino in his honor, one of the capital's iconic monuments, which still houses his mausoleum and relic today. The May solemnities renew this ancient bond between the Sienese Saint and the community of L'Aquila in Abruzzo every year.

The program of the solemnities

The days preceding the feast offer a rich schedule of events within the Basilica and across the city: the concert in honor of San Bernardino featuring the Chamber Orchestra and the Choir of L'Aquila, cultural meetings and conferences, a devotional trek in the Saint's footsteps, and musical and theatrical performances such as "The Night of San Bernardino" and jazz concerts in the Basilica. The popular dimension is also well-represented, with activities for children and the participation of the Fire Department.

May 20th: The day of the solemnity

The highlight is May 20th, the Saint's liturgical feast day. Solemn masses are celebrated throughout the morning, including the 11:00 AM pontifical mass. In the afternoon, the Basilica welcomes the mayors of neighboring towns with their banners for the act of entrustment to the community of Siena, followed by a solemn mass. In the evening, the procession featuring the statue and relic of San Bernardino winds through the historic center, accompanied by the local band and enriched by the performance of the Bandierai dei Quattro Quarti group. Upon returning to the Basilica's parvis, the blessing with the Saint's relic is bestowed upon the city of L'Aquila and the gathered communities.

The San Bernardino Fair

The religious celebrations are complemented by the historic San Bernardino Fair (FIVA-Confcommercio), which fills the streets of the historic center with stalls and merchandise, drawing families and visitors from across the region. Faith, music, commerce, and folklore thus combine to create one of the most deeply felt identity-defining festivals in L'Aquila and the Abruzzo region.