Saint Martin's life

Martin was born in Szombathely, in Pannonia, the modern Hungary, in 316.

Son of a senior officer in the Roman army, he known the Cristian religion at school and became a catechumen against the wishes of his parents: at the age of ten, he left his house and lived in a church next to Pavia, in Italy.
In 331, as the son of a veteran officer, Martin at fifteen was required to join a cavalry ala. At the age of 18 around 334 or 354, he was stationed at Ambianensium civitas or Samarobriva in Gaul (now Amiens, France).
In 335, during his soldier life, took place the miracle with which Saint Martin is known: one day as he was approaching the gates of the city of Amiens, he met a scantily clad beggar. He impulsively cut his military cloak in half to share with the man. That night, Martin dreamed of Jesus wearing the half-cloak he had given away.

From a soldier to a bishop

The Saint Martin Festival is a religious celebration dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, famous for his history.

In 335 a.C., after a dream with Jesus wearing his cloats, Martino converted to the Christianity and for the entire life, he fought against political and religious injustices and oppressions. He also protected arts and culture.
In 372 he became the Bishop of Tours and continued to live following religious customs.

He died in Candes in 397.

Centenary Traditions became proverbs

From the North to the south of Italy, there are a lot of proverbs related to Saint Martin. Probably, the most famous is the one linked to the “Saint Martin Summer” (L’estate di San Martino dura tre giorni e un pochettino – The Summer of Saint Martin lasts three days and a little more), but there are many others, like “A San Martino il mosto diventa vino (In Saint Martin’s days the must become wine), related to the opening of the barrels and the tasting of the young wine with chestnut. A typical venetian proverb is “A san Martin castagne e vin” (In Saint Martin’s days, chestnut and wine).