Assisi hosts major cultural events marking 800th anniversary of St. Francis

Italy commemorates the 800th anniversary of St. Francis with two high‑profile cultural programmes. In Padua, actor Giovanni Scifoni presents the monologue "Fra' – San Francesco, la superstar del medioevo" on the square of the Basilica di Sant'Antonio on 27 June 2026, as part of the Giugno Antoniano festival. The free‑entry performance blends theatre, music and rock‑progressive sounds to portray the medieval saint in a contemporary light.

Meanwhile, in Assisi, artist Helidon Xhixha installs "Un Fiat… Dialoghi di Luce" – a series of mirror‑polished steel sculptures, including the centerpiece "Tau", which will be donated permanently to the city. Running from 24 June to 31 August 2026, the outdoor exhibition creates a dialogue between modern art, light and the Franciscan heritage, with support from UNESCO and the Basilica of San Francesco.