St. Januarius's Day
2029Wednesday, September 19
Quick Facts
- Date
- Wednesday, September 19, 2029
- Observed in
- Italy
- Type
- Religious Holiday
What is St. Januarius's Day?
St. Januarius's Day (San Gennaro) is celebrated on September 19 and honors the patron saint of Naples, Italy. St. Januarius was a bishop martyred around 305 AD during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian. The day is famous for the Miracle of the Blood, when his dried blood, preserved in two glass ampoules in Naples Cathedral, miraculously liquefies. This phenomenon occurs three times a year: on September 19, December 16, and the Saturday before the first Sunday of May. The liquefaction is considered a sign of protection for Naples, while failure of the miracle is seen as a bad omen.
When is St. Januarius's Day 2029?
St. Januarius's Day is on Wednesday, September 19 in 2029. Check the dates and days for other years in the table below.
History & Origin
St. Januarius (Gennaro in Italian) was the Bishop of Benevento who was beheaded near the Solfatara crater in Pozzuoli around 305 AD during the Diocletian persecutions. According to legend, a pious woman named Eusebia collected some of his blood after his execution. The blood relics were transferred to Naples in the 5th century, and the first documented liquefaction occurred in 1389. Throughout history, failures of the blood to liquefy have preceded disasters including eruptions of Mount Vesuvius, wars, and epidemics. The Naples Cathedral (Duomo di San Gennaro), built in the 13th century, houses his relics and the famous blood ampoules in the Chapel of the Treasury. In 1527, San Gennaro was officially proclaimed patron saint of Naples after a plague outbreak.
How It's Celebrated
The main celebration takes place at Naples Cathedral, where thousands gather to witness the Miracle of the Blood ceremony. The Archbishop holds the ampoules containing the dried blood before the faithful, and prayers continue until liquefaction occurs. When the blood liquefies, the announcement is made with a white handkerchief waved from the cathedral, church bells ring, and celebrations erupt throughout Naples. A grand procession carries the bust reliquary of the saint through the streets of the historic center. The Feast of San Gennaro is also celebrated by Italian communities worldwide, most famously in New York City's Little Italy, where an 11-day street festival has been held since 1926.
Where It's Observed
Fun Facts
- The blood liquefaction has been scientifically studied but never definitively explained
- San Gennaro protects against volcanic eruptions - Naples lies in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius
- The blood failed to liquefy in 1939 (before WWII) and 1980 (before the Irpinia earthquake)
- New York City's Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy attracts over one million visitors annually
- The Naples Cathedral treasury contains 51 silver busts of co-patron saints of Naples
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Miracle of the Blood occur?
The blood liquefies three times per year: on September 19 (St. Januarius feast day), December 16 (anniversary of the 1631 Vesuvius eruption), and the Saturday before the first Sunday of May (transfer of relics to Naples).
What happens if the blood does not liquefy?
Failure of the blood to liquefy is traditionally considered a bad omen for Naples. Historical records link such failures to disasters including volcanic eruptions, wars, and earthquakes.
Where is St. Januarius venerated?
St. Januarius is primarily venerated at Naples Cathedral (Duomo di San Gennaro), which houses his skull and blood relics. His feast is also celebrated in Italian communities worldwide, especially in New York City.
Is September 19 a public holiday in Naples?
September 19 is a local holiday in Naples and the Campania region. Schools and many businesses close, and the city celebrates with religious ceremonies and festivities.
Travel Inspiration
Planning a trip around St. Januarius's Day? Explore our travel guides for destinations where this holiday is celebrated.
