Ascoli and Voltana hold August religious festivals in Italy

In Ascoli Piceno, the traditional blessing of basil marked the start of the Sant Emidio festival on the morning of 5 August. Bishop Gianpiero Palmieri led the ceremony at the cathedral’s square, explaining that the basil, called the “plant of the King,” symbolizes Christ’s victory over death. The blessed basil was distributed to the faithful, who then attended the first Eucharist of the day.

In the nearby town of Voltana, the Assumption of Mary celebration began on 6 August and will run until 17 August at the Sanctuary of the Arginino. The program includes daily masses, multilingual rosaries, processions, concerts, a children’s night under the stars, and a “Camminata dell’Arginino” bike ride. Special events honor local figures such as Suor Immacolata Neri, and a concert by the group “A conti fatti” is scheduled for 15 August.