Discover what to do in Castagnaro: the “Perdon d’Assisi” fair, the Sant’Anna festival, the church of Sant’Anna. Want to know more? First of all…
Where is Castagnaro?
The municipality of Castagnaro borders to the north with Terrazzo, to the south with Giacciano con Baruchella, to the east with Badia Polesine and Giacciano con Baruchella, to the west with Villa Bartolomea.
The “Perdon d’Assisi” fair
The 2023 edition of the “Perdon d’Assisi” fair took place from Friday 28 July to Wednesday 2 August in the historic heart of the rural town.
The village festival commemorates the apparition of Jesus and Mary to Saint Francis of Assisi that took place in 1216 in the church of the Porziuncola. According to the Diploma of Teobaldo, following the miraculous event, Saint Francis, accompanied by Brother Masseo, went to Perugia and obtained from Pope Honorius III the institution of the Perdono d’Assisi, that is the absolution of all sins for penitents who visited the Porziuncola.
During the “Perdon d’Assisi” fair, August 1st and 2nd are dedicated to the plenary indulgence in the church of San Nicolò in Via Bongenti, 6.
The ancient popular fair features evenings of dancing with orchestras and tribute bands, food stalls full of delicious dishes and exciting fireworks shows.
To always stay updated on the next edition of the “Perdon d’Assisi” fair, you can check the Facebook page Comune di Castagnaro.
What to do in Castagnaro: the Sant’Anna festival
The liturgical calendar celebrates Saint Anne on July 26. In Castagnaro, the feast in honor of the saint, wife of Saint Joachim and mother of the Virgin Mary, is also observed in the days leading up to this date. In 2023, the Sant’Anna festival was held from Friday 21 to Wednesday 26 July at the church of Sant’Anna in Menà.
The church of Sant’Anna in Menà
Although it has been in a state of neglect for many years, the church of Sant’Anna strikes the visitor with its ancient charm. The place of worship is characterized by a simple and unadorned double-pitched façade, surmounted by a metal cross. Above the wooden portal stands a quadrangular opening.
The sides of the building are marked by pilasters connected by pairs of blind arches. The crumbling plaster reveals the underlying brickwork.
Undoubtedly noteworthy is the graceful bell tower, incorporated into the structure. The belfry, which opens with four single-lancet windows, is surmounted by an octagonal drum crowned by a spire, at the top of which stands a thin metal cross. Although not accessible, the church of Sant’Anna is an essential historical and cultural destination for those wondering what to do in Castagnaro.
The festival program
Following the holy mass and the solemn procession, the festival program includes spacious dining areas where you can enjoy delicious dishes both hearty and gourmet: from succulent chops, ribs, chicken legs, sausages and sizzling grilled bacon to enjoy with cold mugs of beer, to tempting bigoli in sauce, spaghetti with seafood, lasagna with ragù, Venetian-style risotto and exquisite fried fish served with slices of grilled polenta, just to name a few of the dishes on the rich menu.
The festive event includes evenings of ballroom dancing, amusement parks, the classic charity fishing game and exciting pyrotechnic choreographies.
If you are wondering what to do in Castagnaro and wish to spend the beautiful season in the serene setting of a rural village in the lower Verona area with live music, dance performances, top-quality food and wine specialties and breathtaking fireworks shows, attending the Sant’Anna festival might be just right for you!
For more information about the Sant’Anna festival, we recommend visiting the Facebook page Sagra Sant’Anna Menà.
