San Marino is marking the anniversary of its foundation today with a full programme of religious ceremonies, historic pageantry, music and fireworks across its medieval capital. The tiny republic celebrates its foundation on 3 September, traditionally dating its origins to AD 301, when Saint Marinus is said to have established an independent Christian community on Mount Titano.
The celebrations began this morning with a solemn Mass at the Basilica of Saint Marinus, attended by the Captains Regent and Petar Rajič, the Apostolic Nuncio to Italy and San Marino. A procession carrying the relic of Saint Marinus then made its way through the streets of the historic centre. The afternoon programme brings one of San Marino’s most distinctive traditions to the fore: the Palio delle Balestre Grandi, or Great Crossbow Tournament.
A historical procession leaves Porta San Francesco at 2.30pm before the crossbowmen gather at the Basilica for a blessing. At 3.30pm, representatives of San Marino’s nine Castelli compete at the Cava dei Balestrieri to become the Republic’s national crossbow champion.
The tournament is accompanied by flag-wavers, musicians and historical performers, bringing the medieval character of the UNESCO-listed old town to life.
The historic procession returns through the streets later in the afternoon before the Military Band of the Republic of San Marino performs in Piazza della Libertà at 5.30pm, accompanied by singer Valentina Monetta.
Read: On this day – foundation of San Marino
Tombola, live music and fireworks
The traditional Grand Tombola takes place at 7pm in Piazzale Lo Stradone, with €15,000 on offer for the first prize, €7,500 for the second and €2,500 for five in a row.
The celebrations then move into the evening with a concert by Italian singer Marina Rei at Campo Bruno Reffi. Entry is by donation, with proceeds going to the San Marino Multiple Sclerosis Association. The day ends with a major fireworks display at 11.30pm.
All the Foundation Day events are free and no booking is required. If bad weather disrupts the programme, the tombola and Military Band concert will be held on Sunday, 6 September instead.
A year of anniversaries
The celebrations form part of a particularly significant year for San Marino.
The Republic has also welcomed major cultural and international events during 2026, while its historic centre and Mount Titano continue to form the heart of its identity as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The anniversary received an additional international spotlight in August when Pope Leo XIV visited San Marino, a landmark visit that took place during the Republic’s 1,725th anniversary celebrations.
The celebrations do not end on 3 September. The following weekend brings San Marino Matsuri, a two-day celebration of Japanese culture marking the 12th anniversary of the San Marino Jinja. The programme includes a kabuki performance and the procession of a golden mikoshi through the historic centre.
