Pompei is preparing five days of celebrations from 1 to 5 October 2026 to mark the centenary of the death of Bartolo Longo, now formally recognized as the city's patron saint.

The occasion carries special weight for the Marian city: Longo died on 5 October 1926, and 5 October will now be observed each year as his feast as patron of Pompei. Longo is associated with the founding of the Pompei Shrine, its charitable works, and the development of the New City.

According to local reporting, the municipal administration is taking part institutionally and financially in the celebrations. The city plans monumental illuminations and a fireworks display to close the festivities.

A week of pilgrimage, then five days of events

The wider programme begins before October. From 24 September to 1 October, the statue and relics of Bartolo Longo will make a pilgrimage through the parishes of Pompei.

The central celebrations then run from 1 to 5 October. The official Church of Pompei programme lists the principal moments as:

  • 2 October: descent of the Marian painting
  • 3 October: prayer vigil
  • 4 October: the Supplica
  • 5 October: liturgical and civic ceremonies

The closing day, 5 October, includes Masses, a floral tribute at the monument to Bartolo Longo, a concelebration, the closure of the painting, fireworks, and a dessert tasting.

What visitors should know

The programme described in the sources is the planned schedule for October 2026. Readers following the centenary should check the official Church of Pompei programme for any updates before traveling, as the sources do not confirm changes or report on events already held.

The local-press report does not give a complete municipal schedule with times and locations for every civic event, nor the exact location and timing of the planned fireworks. The sources also do not provide expected attendance figures or detailed arrangements for traffic, public transport, and access for pilgrims.

For visitors to Pompei, the practical outline is therefore simple: the parish pilgrimage runs 24 September to 1 October, the main civic and religious programme runs 1 to 5 October, and 5 October is the patronal feast day and closing day.