Feast of Saints Peter and Paul

The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul is a major Christian observance held on 29 June each year, commemorating the martyrdom of the apostles Peter and Paul in Rome. Celebrated widely in churches and communities from Italy and Malta to Peru and the Philippines, the day is marked by liturgies, public holidays, and local festivities.

• Observed on 29 June each year
• Marks the martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul in Rome
• Public holiday in Malta, Peru, and parts of Switzerland and the Philippines
• Ends the Apostles' Fast in Eastern Orthodox tradition
• Known as L-Imnarja in Malta with local festivals

What it is

The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul is a significant day for many Christian communities, honoring the lives and martyrdom of two of the most prominent apostles. Observed on 29 June, the day is marked by religious services and, in some places, public celebrations. For Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans, Lutherans, and others, this feast highlights the importance of Peter and Paul as foundational figures in the early Church, symbolizing unity and faith. In cities where they are patron saints, the day takes on special local meaning, blending religious devotion with community traditions.

Where it comes from

This feast traces its roots to ancient Christian practice, with the date chosen to recall either the death or the transfer of the relics of Saints Peter and Paul in Rome. The earliest recorded mention appears in the Roman calendar of 354, indicating its longstanding place in Christian observance. Over centuries, the feast has grown in significance, especially in places where the apostles are seen as protectors or founders. In the Western tradition, the day has been marked with varying degrees of solemnity and, in some regions, was once followed by an octave of celebrations.

How it is celebrated

Celebrations of the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul vary widely. In the Catholic and Anglican traditions, the day features solemn Masses or liturgies, with special prayers in honor of the apostles. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, it marks the end of the Apostles' Fast and may include an all-night vigil. In Malta, known locally as L-Imnarja, the festival includes weekend celebrations with gatherings in places like Nadur and Buskett Gardens. In Peru, the Philippines, and parts of Switzerland and Italy, it is a public holiday, often accompanied by festivals, parades, and community events. The Doukhobors in Canada observe the day as a commemoration of peace, recalling their historic 'Burning of the Arms.'

Joining in

Visitors can experience the feast most vividly in places where it is a public holiday or local festival, such as Rome, Malta, and Ormoc in the Philippines. In Malta, festivities in Nadur and Buskett Gardens offer a blend of religious and cultural traditions. In Rome, special liturgies are held, and the day is significant for the city as both apostles are its patron saints. Attending a local church service or joining public celebrations provides a meaningful way to witness the community's devotion and the festive spirit surrounding the day.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Feast of Saints Peter and Paul on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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