The Feast of Saint Zita

The Feast of Saint Zita in Lucca is a special occasion that celebrates not only the city’s patron saint, but also the rich cultural and religious tradition that characterizes this ancient Tuscan community. Every year, on April 27, the people of Lucca and visitors gather to pay tribute to Saint Zita, the humble servant who became revered for her charity and dedication to the community.

The feast has deep roots in Lucca’s medieval past, when Saint Zita, born in the 13th century, devoted her life to serving others while working as a maid for a noble family in the city. Her humility and generosity became legendary, so much so that after her death in 1272, she was canonized and her tomb in the Church of San Frediano became a destination for pilgrims.

The day of the celebration begins early in the morning, when the bells of Lucca’s churches ring festively to announce the start of the celebrations. The streets around the Basilica of San Frediano and the Church of Saint Zita fill with colors and sounds, while the people of Lucca prepare market stalls and altars dedicated to the patron saint throughout the city.

One of the most distinctive elements of the celebration is the flower market, which stretches along the main streets of the historic center. Flowers, symbols of purity and rebirth, are carried in procession and offered as a tribute to Saint Zita, adorning altars and churches with a variety of colors and fragrances that fill the air.

Centuries-old traditions blend with the vibrancy of modern life, creating a unique experience that brings together spirituality, culture, and conviviality in one unforgettable day.