S. Antonio da Padova

After only one year from friday 13 June 1231, the day of the death of Blessed Antonio, thanks to the miracles he performed, Pope Gregorio IX decided to accelerate the canonical process for his proclamation as Saint.
It is precisely from the canonization ceremony that the deep bond that unites Rieti people with St. Antonio originates. When the emissaries of the city of Padua arrived in Rieti to ask for the sanctification to Gregorio IX, already Bishop of Rieti in 1214, they were received with a candlelight procession of the citizens who strongly supported them.The ceremony should have taken place in the Cathedral of Santa Maria dell’Assunzione (cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption), but since the Pope was forced to move to Spoleto, the Rieti people reacted by turning the procession into a protest. The protest soon became a demonstration of great devotion that remains intact even today and that makes Rieti one of the most important places for the cult of Antonio di Padova.

The program of the Giugno Antoniano Reatino is an unmissable opportunity: liturgical moments and cultural events that culminate in the Processione dei Ceri (Candlelight Procession) alternate throughout the month, during which thousands of people await the passage of the statue of the saint in the streets of the historic center, transformed for the occasion in a colorful carpet of flowers.
The Infiorata di Sant’Antonio is in fact one of the most evocative and engaging aspects of the festivities: from the early morning hours adults and children gather to compose decorations and colorful designs with a religious theme.
Moreover, the St. Antonio Fair (12th and 13th of June) is a unique opportunity for those who love shopping.

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The Processione dei Ceri (Candlelight Procession) is certainly the longest day of the Giugno Antoniano Reatino programme. Everybody in the historic town centre get up very early in this day. And the goal is the same: to create the most beautiful floral display to honor the passage of the statue of St. Antonio.
The statue covers almost the entire historic center and every district works hard since the early morning to adorn the streets where the saint will pass from 6.00 pm. This traditional floral decoration is one of the reference points for the city, a tradition that has been handed down for years, from father to son, but also and above all a moment of sharing.
From Porta Conca to Porta d´Arce, from Porta Romana to Via San Francesco, citizens gather on the streets to create real works of art. Rose petals and other colorful flowers, sawdust, coffee grounds, salt, golden powders, glue and water mixes and sugar, all to make every inch of the road a feast for the eyes and the heart. Because what is on stage during this day is a common project, made of friendship and collaboration.

The Infiorata is not something that stand and fall during this unique day. It requires a preparation work that goes from the choice of the subject, passing through the preparatory drawing to the realization. And these are unique moments for the city and for its citizens, helping each other in order to realize something that’s a common goal. Because it is not only kneel down under the sun: this day is characterized by an invisible assembly line that works in parallel, that of the grandmothers and grandparents who, having passed their knowledge to their children and grandchildren, strive to prepare succulent dishes and regenerating drinks, to offer to all those who, under the scorching sun at the end of June, prepare the streets for the passage of the beloved saint.
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