Feast of St. Anthony
June 13
About Feast of St. Anthony
The Feast of St. Anthony is celebrated on Saturday, 13 June 2026. It honours St. Anthony of Padua, one of the most beloved saints in the Roman Catholic tradition, on the anniversary of his death in 1231. From solemn processions in Italy to vibrant street festivals in Portugal, the day blends prayer, music, food and community across the world.
The Story Behind the Feast of St. Anthony
St. Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal, around 1195, into a wealthy family. As a young man he joined the Augustinians before being drawn to the newly founded Franciscan order, inspired by the example of friars who had been martyred while preaching abroad. He longed for a missionary life, but illness redirected his path, and it was as a preacher and teacher that he found his true calling.
Anthony quickly became renowned for his extraordinary preaching. Gifted with a deep knowledge of scripture and a powerful voice, he drew vast crowds across Italy and France, and his sermons were credited with converting many. He settled in Padua in northern Italy, where his preaching reached its height and where he remains most closely associated to this day.
Anthony died on 13 June 1231, at just 35 years old. His reputation for holiness was so great that Pope Gregory IX canonised him less than a year later, on 30 May 1232, one of the fastest canonisations in the history of the Church. In 1946 he was declared a Doctor of the Church in recognition of his influential teaching. He is often depicted holding the child Jesus and a lily, and he is widely invoked as the patron saint of lost things.
The feast was established by the Catholic Church following his canonisation, fixed to 13 June, the day of his death. Nearly eight centuries later, it remains one of the most widely observed saints’ days, cherished in the two cities that claim him: Lisbon, where he was born, and Padua, where he is buried.
When and Where is the Feast of St. Anthony Celebrated?
The Feast of St. Anthony falls on 13 June every year, which in 2026 is a Saturday. The date is fixed and does not change. It is observed by Catholics around the globe, but the celebrations are most spectacular in Padua and Lisbon. In Padua, 13 June is a local holiday marked by a great religious procession; in Lisbon, it is a municipal holiday and the centrepiece of the city’s summer festivities. Communities with Portuguese and Italian heritage across Europe, the Americas and beyond also hold their own festivals and parish liturgies.
Traditions and Customs
The day is rich with traditions that vary from place to place:
- The procession in Padua – Anthony’s relics are carried through the streets from the Basilica of St. Anthony, a major pilgrimage site since the 13th century.
- Grilled sardines in Lisbon – The smell of sardines grilling over charcoal fills Lisbon’s old neighbourhoods, a signature taste of the festivities.
- The Marchas Populares – Neighbourhood dance groups compete in a colourful parade along Avenida da Liberdade as part of the Festas de Lisboa.
- Matchmaking and basil pots – Anthony is also seen as a patron of marriage, and tradition involves gifting a basil plant carrying a love message to a sweetheart.
- St. Anthony’s Bread – Offerings made in thanksgiving for blessings received through the saint’s prayers, often given to support the poor or the education of priests.
Ways to Celebrate the Feast of St. Anthony
Whether you mark the day with faith, food or festivity, there are many ways to take part:
- Attend a feast day Mass – Many parishes hold special liturgies on 13 June in Anthony’s honour.
- Cook grilled sardines – Recreate a taste of Lisbon by grilling sardines and serving them with crusty bread, in true Festas de Lisboa style.
- Decorate with flowers and garlands – Brighten your home or street with flowered garlands and colourful bunting as Lisbon’s neighbourhoods do.
- Make an offering of St. Anthony’s Bread – Donate to a charity supporting those in need as a modern expression of the tradition.
- Gift a basil plant – Follow the matchmaking custom by giving a pot of basil with a small message to someone you love.
- Learn about the saint – Read about Anthony’s life and why he became the patron saint of lost things.
Facts and Figures
- St. Anthony was born in Lisbon around 1195 and died in Padua on 13 June 1231, aged 35.
- He was canonised on 30 May 1232, less than a year after his death.
- He was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1946.
- He is the patron saint of lost things and is invoked by those searching for what is missing.
- In Lisbon his feast anchors the month-long Festas de Lisboa, including the famous Marchas Populares.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Feast of St. Anthony?
It is the Catholic feast day honouring St. Anthony of Padua, celebrated on 13 June, the anniversary of his death in 1231. It is marked with processions, festivals and special Masses.
When is the Feast of St. Anthony in 2026?
It takes place on Saturday, 13 June 2026. The date is fixed to 13 June each year.
Why is St. Anthony the patron saint of lost things?
Tradition holds that a novice took a book of psalms belonging to Anthony and later returned it after Anthony prayed for its recovery. Ever since, he has been invoked by those seeking to find what is lost.
Spread the Word
Share the Feast of St. Anthony with your community using #FeastOfStAnthony and #StAnthony2026. Whether you mark the occasion with a procession, a plate of grilled sardines or a quiet prayer, every bit of celebration helps keep this centuries-old tradition alive.
Related Awareness Days
- Festa Junina – A Brazilian midsummer festival rooted in the same season of Catholic saints’ days.
- Malta Republic Day – Another date celebrating culture and heritage in a deeply Catholic nation.
- World Wellbeing Week – A reminder of the value of community, connection and shared celebration.
Links
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