Solennità Patronale di Sant'Adamo Abate
The festival of the patron saint of Guglionesi, between age-old faith, procession, and great concerts
About Sant'Adamo Abate
Over nine centuries of devotion
Guglionesi, a village in the province of Campobasso (Molise) overlooking the Biferno valley a few kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, celebrates its patron saint, Sant'Adamo Abate, in early June. It is one of the oldest and most heartfelt religious solemnities in Lower Molise, preserved by the community for over nine centuries and organized by the Parish of Santa Maria Maggiore together with the Municipality and the Patronal Festivities Committee.
The rites of the festival
The solemnity opens with the preparatory triduum and unfolds over several days. Among the central moments are the pilgrimage of the "Little pilgrims of hope" to the Spring of Sant'Adamo, the Mass in the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, and, above all, the solemn procession with the triumphal chariot of the saint through the village streets. Alongside the religious rites, the festival each year offers moments of entertainment and free concerts that attract emigrant Guglionesi back to the town.
The 140th anniversary of the reliquary bust
2026 is a particularly significant year: it marks the 140th anniversary of the papal blessing of the reliquary bust of Sant'Adamo (1886-2026). On May 20, 2026, the bust was taken to Rome and blessed by Pope Leo XIV. The anniversary is also celebrated with the 140th commemoration of the Third Translation of the Relics and with a special philatelic postmark by Poste Italiane, set up in Piazza XXIV Maggio, in front of the parish church.
Why it's worth the trip
The festival of Sant'Adamo is an opportunity to experience the deepest identity of Guglionesi: a centuries-old devotion, evocative rites such as the procession of the triumphal chariot, and a community that comes together around its saint. The presence of big names in Italian music also makes it a major attraction for all of Lower Molise.
Sant'Adamo Abate — edition 2026
The 2026 edition marks the 924th Patron Saint Festival of Sant'Adamo Abate in Guglionesi (CB) and coincides with the 140th anniversary of the saint's reliquary bust, blessed by Pope Leo XIV on May 20, 2026. Three days of religious rites and festive moments, opened by a free concert by singer-songwriter Enrico Nigiotti and culminating in the solemn procession on June 3rd, accompanied by a special philatelic postmark from Poste Italiane.
Programme Sant'Adamo Abate 2026
May 29-31 — Preparatory Triduum
- Triduum celebrations in preparation for the festival
- May 31: Mass at 6 PM and Rosary at Madonna del Viandante at 9 PM
Monday, June 1st
- 9 AM — Youth football trophy at the municipal stadium
- 10 PM — Largo Garibaldi (Castellara area): free concert by Enrico Nigiotti ("Maledetti Innamorati Summer Tour 2026"), featuring songs like "L'amore è", "Nonno Hollywood", "Tu sei per me", and "Ogni volta che non so volare"
Tuesday, June 2nd
- 9:30 AM — "Little pilgrims of hope" pilgrimage to the Spring of Sant'Adamo (meeting point: Castellara church)
- Mass at Santa Maria Maggiore and "Witnesses of Saint Benedict" meeting with the Benedictine nuns from the monastery of Santa Lucia of Tarquinia
Wednesday, June 3rd
- 11 AM-5 PM — Philatelic postmark by Poste Italiane for the 140th anniversary of the reliquary bust, in Piazza XXIV Maggio (in front of Santa Maria Maggiore)
- 6 PM — Solemn procession with the triumphal chariot and Mass at Santa Maria Maggiore
Organized by the Parish of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Municipality of Guglionesi, and the Patronal Festivities Committee.
Highlights Sant'Adamo Abate 2026
Prices Sant'Adamo Abate 2026
Practical information — Sant'Adamo Abate
How to get there
Guglionesi (CB) can be reached by car from the Termoli exit of the A14 (about 15 km) or from the SS647. The nearest train station is Termoli. Concerts and processions take place in the historic center and in Largo Garibaldi (Castellara area).
When
Every year in early June (in 2026 from June 1st to 3rd).
Admission
Religious celebrations and concerts are free; the philatelic postmark is available at the Poste Italiane stand.
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Where does it take place — Sant'Adamo Abate
Parrocchia Santa Maria Maggiore
Piazza XXIV Maggio, 86034 Guglionesi