Every year, on September 1, the town of Bojano, comes alive to celebrate the traditional Feast of St. Egidio, an event that blends faith, culture and conviviality in an evocative natural setting. It is a recurrence deeply felt by the Bojano population in honor of the saint who protects against fears.
The celebration takes place at the hermitage of Sant’Egidio, located at 1,025 meters on the Matese massif. The day begins with a religious procession, a sort of short pilgrimage to the hermitage. This is followed by moments of prayer and reflection. The faithful gather to participate in Holy Mass and to pay homage to the saint, whose figure is deeply rooted in local tradition.
The Feast of St. Aegidius is not only a time of devotion, but also an occasion for meeting and friendship. Many participants choose to stay overnight in tents near the hermitage, creating an atmosphere of community and fraternity. The day is enriched by moments of conviviality, with outdoor lunches and the sharing of typical local dishes.
In the past, the faithful carried the statue of the saint on their shoulders from the church of St. Erasmus and Martin to Bojano, accompanied by the band. To refresh themselves, citizens offered pilgrims drinks and food on the streets of the town.
The hermitage itself is an important spiritual and cultural landmark for the Bojano community. Its panoramic location offers breathtaking views of the valley below, making the visit a unique experience both spiritually and scenically.
The Feast of St. Egidio in Bojano is a living example of how religious traditions can integrate with culture and sociality, creating an event that involves the entire community and attracts visitors from different regions. It is a time when faith is expressed through concrete gestures of solidarity and sharing, strengthening the sense of belonging and collective identity.
At a time when traditions are in danger of being forgotten, events like the Feast of St. Egidio represent a valuable cultural heritage to be preserved and enhanced, testifying to the richness and vitality of local communities.