San Marino is celebrating the anniversary of the Republic’s founding and the feast of its patron saint. The 3 September celebrations began this morning in the historic centre with one of the day’s most solemn moments.
At 10am, the Basilica del Santo hosted the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, in the presence of the Captains Regent and with the participation of the San Marino Choir. At the end of the service, the traditional procession with the Relic of the Saint made its way through the districts of the historic centre. The morning continued with the reading of the Crossbowmen’s Proclamation, which opens the way for the Palio delle Balestre Grandi.
The celebrations will continue this afternoon. At 2.30pm the Historical Parade will set off from Porta San Francesco, featuring ladies, crossbowmen, flag-wavers, musicians and costumed performers. At 3pm, the Basilica will host the crossbowmen’s prayer to the patron saint, while at 3.30pm the Cava dei Balestrieri will host the Palio delle Balestre Grandi, one of the day’s central events.
At 5pm there will be a further Mass and the Blessing of the Relic, followed at 5.15pm by the Historical Parade’s return through the streets of the centre. At 5.30pm, Piazza della Libertà will host San Marino’s Military Band, conducted by Lieutenant Maestro Stefano Gatta, with a special appearance by San Marino singer Valentina Monetta.
The festivities continue at 7pm on Piazzale Lo Stradone with the Grande Tombola, a bingo-style game offering prizes of €15,000 for the first full house, €7,500 for the second and €2,500 for five in a row.
In the evening, the music moves to Campo Bruno Reffi, where Marina Rei will take to the stage at 9.30pm. The concert is free, with donations welcome, and proceeds will go to the San Marino Multiple Sclerosis Association.
Bringing the long day of 3 September to a close will be, at 11.30pm, the traditional fireworks display, lighting up the sky above the historic centre of the Republic.
