St. Patrick's Fest
The St. Patrick's Day celebration at the Sanctuary of Colzate, featuring Celtic music and a mountain race
About St. Patrick's Fest
St. Patrick in Val Seriana
Colzate, a small municipality in the Val Seriana in the province of Bergamo, holds a curious distinction: it hosts the only Sanctuary of St. Patrick in Italy. It is precisely around this place that the St. Patrick's Fest was born, a festival celebrating the patron saint of Ireland by combining the religious dimension with the cultural and sporting ones.
An Evening of Celtic Music
Saturday is dedicated to live Celtic music, with concerts by specialized groups, Irish beers, and themed food that recreate the atmosphere of Irish pubs for one evening. A shuttle bus service facilitates access to the sanctuary, which can also be reached with the help of volunteers' directions.
The St. Patrick's Vertical
On Sunday, the festival turns sporty with the St. Patrick's Vertical, an uphill race that starts from the center of the village and reaches the sanctuary along an ancient mule track: just 1.2 km but with 200 meters of elevation gain, a short and intense challenge much loved by mountain running enthusiasts. The event is organized by young volunteers with the support of the parish, and it represents an original way to promote a unique place of its kind.
St. Patrick's Fest — edition 2026
The 3rd edition of the St. Patrick's Fest returns to Colzate on March 21 and 22, 2026, around the Sanctuary of St. Patrick. Two days combining Celtic music, Irish beers, themed food, and a mountain race, framed by religious celebrations dedicated to the saint in the preceding days.
Programme St. Patrick's Fest 2026
Saturday, March 21 — Music Festival
- From 6:00 PM — Barad Guldur, Celtic and medieval music with period instruments
- From 9:00 PM — Dolmen Naquane
- All evening: Irish beers and themed food
- Shuttle bus from Viale Lombardia from 6:00 PM
Sunday, March 22 — St. Patrick's Vertical (3rd edition)
- 10:30 AM — Start of the uphill race: 1.2 km and 200m elevation gain along an ancient mule track, from the village center to the Sanctuary
- Organized in collaboration with FlyUp, dedicated to the memory of Andrea Verzeroli
Related religious celebrations
- Sunday, March 15: Community Mass (10:30 AM) and guided tours of the sanctuary (3:00 PM)
- Monday, March 16: Procession with torchlight to the Sanctuary (8:00 PM)
- Tuesday, March 17 (St. Patrick's Day): Masses at 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM
Highlights St. Patrick's Fest 2026
The Celtic music concerts by Barad Guldur and Dolmen Naquane, and the St. Patrick's Vertical uphill race to the Sanctuary.
Prices St. Patrick's Fest 2026
Practical information — St. Patrick's Fest
How to get there
The festival takes place at the Sanctuary of St. Patrick, above the town of Colzate (Bergamo), in Val Seriana. On Saturday, a shuttle bus service operates from Viale Lombardia, given the limited parking availability at the sanctuary.
Registration and admission
Admission to the music evening is free; beer and food consumption are charged. For the St. Patrick's Vertical, registration is required through the organization's portal (fly-up.it).
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Where does it take place — St. Patrick's Fest
Santuario di San Patrizio
Santuario di San Patrizio, 24020 Colzate