June 28

St. Vitus Day

Get ready to dance and celebrate St. Vitus Day - a feast day dedicated to music, joy, and good company!

Yearly Date
June 28
Holiday Calendar
Last updated February 7, 2026 by the Holiday Calendar Team
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Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the feast day of St. Vitus on June 28! This holiday honors the patron saint of dancers, actors, comedians, and those suffering from epilepsy. Legend has it that St. Vitus was a Christian martyr who miraculously survived being thrown into boiling oil by Roman soldiers. He is also known for his ability to heal people with seizures, which led to him being revered as a protector against this condition. While this holiday is primarily celebrated in Europe, it's a great opportunity to learn about this lesser-known saint and perhaps even pay tribute to the performing arts in your own way. So let's dance and laugh in honor of St. Vitus!

St. Vitus Day Timeline

303 A.D.
Martyrdom of Saint Vitus
Saint Vitus, a Christian saint from Sicily, is martyred under the Diocletianic Persecution.
800s
Veneration of St. Vitus
The veneration of St. Vitus as a saint spreads throughout Europe, with many churches dedicated to him.
1060
St. Vitus Cathedral Founded
In Prague, the construction of the initial Romanesque church dedicated to St. Vitus begins.
1500s
Patronage Recognition
St. Vitus is recognized as the patron saint of actors, comedians, dancers, and those suffering from epilepsy.
1985
UNESCO Heritage
St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, further enhancing the celebration of St. Vitus.
Present Day
St. Vitus Day Celebration
St. Vitus Day is observed widely on June 28 every year, with celebrations featuring music, dance, and performances honoring the patron saint.

How to Celebrate St. Vitus Day

1

Attend a traditional dance performance

St. Vitus Day is celebrated with traditional dances in many cultures. Look for local performances or attend a cultural festival to witness these beautiful dances.

2

Visit a church dedicated to St. Vitus

St. Vitus is the patron saint of dancers, actors, and comedians. Visit a church dedicated to him and learn more about his life and legacy.

3

Cook a traditional dish

Research traditional dishes from countries that celebrate St. Vitus Day, such as Croatia or the Czech Republic, and try your hand at making one of them in honor of the holiday.

4

Watch a historical movie or documentary

Learn more about the history behind St. Vitus Day by watching a movie or documentary about significant events or figures related to the holiday.

5

Participate in a charity event

Many communities hold charity events on St. Vitus Day to raise money for those in need. Join in and celebrate the holiday while also giving back to your community.

Why We Love St. Vitus Day

A

It's a day of celebration and honor

St. Vitus Day is a special holiday that celebrates the life of St. Vitus, a Christian martyr who had strong Roman and Catholic ties. It's also a day to remember and honor all of the other martyrs who were persecuted for their beliefs.

B

It's a reminder of strength and perseverance

St. Vitus Day serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, one can hold onto their faith and beliefs. The stories of St. Vitus and other martyrs inspire us to stay strong, no matter what challenges come our way.

C

It brings families and communities together

St. Vitus Day is traditionally celebrated with parades, processions, and feasts, all of which are meant to bring people together in fellowship and celebration. It's a time to strengthen bonds and create new memories with loved ones while honoring an important figure in history.

Holiday Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Jun 28
Wednesday
2024
Jun 28
Friday
2025
Jun 28
Saturday
2026
Jun 28
Sunday
2027
Jun 28
Monday