29 January - The Feast of San Costanzo, Patron Saint of Perugia
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Ester Andrina - 28 January 2025
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One of the reasons that time in Umbria seems to stand still, are the traditions in which for centuries the same rituals are repeated. I love that about this region. It must give the Perugini a great connection with their ancestors, since they experienced the same festivities and celebrations. Thanks to such festivals and the stories that accompany them, the medieval city comes alive.​
This is also true of the festivities in honour of San Costanzo, which take place every year at the end of January. On the evening of the 28th, votive offerings and a candle are taken in a procession, called 'Luminaria', from the Palazzo dei Priori to the Basilica of San Costanzo. There, vespers and the offering are celebrated: a candle from the Mayor of Perugia, a laurel wreath from the police, a "torcolo" cake from the artisans, "vin santo" from two newlyweds and incense from the Parish Council of San Costanzo.
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The next day on the 29th, there is a lively market in Borgo XX Giugno, where the Basilica of San Costanzo is located, a solemn Eucharistic celebration in the Cathedral of Perugia and a free tasting of the traditional cake of San Costanzo, the 'torcolo'.
​San Costanzo lived in the second century A.D. and was the first bishop of Perugia. Two miracles are attributed to him, a blind woman regained her sight, and a Perugian nobleman was cured of his paralysis. By order of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, he was persecuted as a Christian, tortured and eventually beheaded. His body was brought to Perugia and buried on the site where the current church of San Costanzo was built.
​​There are, of course, stories of popular tradition. During the festival, young women go to the church of San Costanzo to ask if they will marry before the end of the year. If San Costanzo blinks, it means the wedding will take place. And there is a traditional cake called 'torcolo'. After San Costanzo was beheaded, his body was reassembled and a crown of flowers was placed on his neck to hide the mark of his martyrdom. The ring-shaped torcolo is said to be reminiscent of this crown.​​
28-29 January 2025 | Perugia | Festivities, Concert and Market
FEAST OF SAN COSTANZO, PATRON SAINT OF PERUGIA. 28 Jan. 5.30pm, Palazzo dei Priori, Corso Vannucci, start of procession to the Basilica di San Costanzo. 29 Jan.: 11am, Solemn Eucharistic Celebration Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, Corso Vannucci, Perugia; 12am Corso Vannucci free tasting of 'Torcolo di San Costanzo' cake; 3.30pm Concert by Ensemble dell'Orchestra da Camera di Perugia, Basilica di San Costanzo, Via S. Costanzo 5, Perugia; 8am-8pm Market in Borgo XX Giugno, a lively neighbourhood in Perugia's historic centre.
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