• Art & Culture

The festival of Saint Bassianus in Lodi

What should you do and eat at the festival of Saint Bassianus, the patron saint of Lodi? Discover the traditions and delicious specialities on offer at this event.

 

19 January is a special day for the inhabitants of Lodi: it marks the feast of Saint Bassianus, the city's patron saint. This festival has a lot to offer, from traditional ceremonies to local dishes, as well as many stalls of artisanal products.

Votive candles and the relics of Saint Bassianus
For the people of Lodi, the festival of Saint Bassianus is more than just a religious anniversary: it is also a time to revive ancient traditions, which have been handed down over the years.
The relics of Saint Bassianus are kept in a display case inside the crypt of Lodi Cathedral, dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and they are honoured every year on this date. A Romanesque building dating back to 1158, the cathedral is the oldest monument in the city. Legend has it that the first stone was symbolically laid on 3 August, the day that the city was founded. Every year on the Saint's feast day, intricately decorated votive candles are presented to the Bishop in the crypt of the cathedral.

The squares of Lodi are the place to be
A festival just isn't a festival without some delicious food: on 19 January, the centre of Lodi is filled with artisanal stalls, especially the main square, Piazza della Vittoria. This square represents the heart of the city, and is the only one in the world to be surrounded by arcades on all four sides. It is also home to Lodi's most important monuments: the cathedral and the Broletto palace. The latter is the seat of the local government, known for its neoclassical loggia.

Must-try specialities during the festival of Saint Bassianus
The feast day is the perfect time to try some local delicacies: on the afternoon of 19 January, Piazza Broletto is transformed into an open-air tavern, complete with tables and benches. As you wander among the stalls, you can stop to sample some filsón di castagnel, braided strings of roasted chestnuts.

By far the most iconic dish enjoyed on Saint Bassianus' day is Büseca, a traditional meal of tripe served by the Pro Loco organisation. In Lodi, this humble plate of tripe is believed to bring good luck for the new year: over the centuries, it has been credited with protecting the city's residents from multiple plague epidemics. As the famous saying goes: “Mangià la büseca de San Bassan, vör di sta ben tüt l’an” ("eat tripe on Saint Bassianus' day and feel good all year long").

The festival of Saint Bassianus is also the perfect time to try some raspadüra, a type of Grana cheese cut into thin sheets with a special knife, ideal for risotto or polenta. To end on a sweet note, be sure to grab a slice of Tortionata, served with hot chocolate. If you want to discover other traditional Lodi dishes, check out this classic Lodi menu, from starters through to desserts.

 

On the same topic

Lombardy in 5 Castles

Impregnable fortresses, with enchanting lake views, legends of ghosts. Five castles in Lombardy to be visited
  • Art & Culture
Lombardy in 5 Castles

Seven castles in Lombardy

From Lake Garda to Valtellina by way of Milan. Among crenellated walls, towers and porticoed loggias
  • Art & Culture
Castello Sforzesco a Milano

Monument Varese

Stately homes, religious buildings, fortifications and UNESCO treasures among the beauties of Varese and its surroundings
  • Art & Culture
Monument Varese, what to see

7 art capitals an hour away by train from Milan

  • Art & Culture
Lecco città d'arte

6 Interactive museums for children

Explore Lombardy with your children! Experiential and interactive museums to stimulate curiosity and creativity.
  • Art & Culture
6 Interactive museums for children

The show is online in Lombardy

The show continues at home, in Lombardy. Discover the plays, films, concerts, videos and podcasts available for free online
  • Art & Culture
The show is online in Lombardy

Theaters Cremona

Cremona stands out not only for its monumental beauties, but also for its lively cultural activity in its theaters
  • Art & Culture
Theaters Cremona, culture in Lombardy

Seven art works to discover in Milan

An artistic itinerary through the streets of Milan, discovering works that transform the city into an open-air gallery.
  • Art & Culture
Seven art works to discover in Milan

Visits to the violin-making workshops

An unique and unforgettable experience
  • Art & Culture
Visits to the violin-making workshops

Vaprio d adda

Halfway between Bergamo and Milan it is located on the border between the two provinces marked by the river Adda, on the Milanese side
  • Art & Culture
Vaprio d'Adda

Museum Varese

Mummies, archaeological finds, design, ancient and contemporary art: museums to suit all tastes!
  • Art & Culture
Museum Varese, what to see?

Bergamo Città Bassa

Glimpses of ancient villages along the main communication routes between the upper city and the territory
  • Art & Culture
Bergamo Città Bassa (Lower City)

Theaters Pavia

Opera, prose, dance and theatrical review .... the theater in Pavia and the province is staged
  • Art & Culture
Theaters Pavia, cultural vacations in Lombardy

Varese pursuing new horizons

  • Art & Culture
Varese Villa Panza

The festival of Saint Bassianus in Lodi

Head to the centre of Lodi to celebrate the city's patron saint and discover a variety of traditions and handicrafts
  • Art & Culture
Fiera di San Bassiano_Lodi

A visit to Cerreto Abbey

Cerreto Abbey: a Cistercian jewel of the province of Lodi 
  • Art & Culture
Una visita all’Abbazia del Cerreto

Diocesan Museum

Pre-view of the exhibited art-works
  • Art & Culture
Diocesan Museum

Out of town escapes

Some suggestions for a romantic weekend or for sport, nature, art, culture, wellness and taste.
  • Art & Culture
11 Ideas for... weekend in Lombardy

House Museums of Lombardy: step inside the homes of renowned historical figures

Discover the history and culture of the Region of Lombardy through its historic house museums, from the homes of famous people and art collectors to artists' studios.
  • Art & Culture
Case Museo in Lombardia - Villa Manzoni, Lecco

Discovering the treasures of Mantua

  • Art & Culture
Discovering the treasures of Mantua