The Basilica of Saint Anthony is ready to welcome thousands of pilgrims in anticipation of Tredicina 2026, the traditional period of celebrations preceding the Saint's feast day on June 13th. Preparations are currently underway at the Padua sanctuary, where this morning, following the 10:00 a.m. Mass, the antique wooden figure of Saint Anthony was moved to the central nave. According to tradition, it will be paraded around the city streets on June 13th. After a year of care, the effigy was installed by artisans and friars and adorned with a crown, preparing it to receive the prayers of the devout who have been traveling to Padua from all over the world for weeks. Initial figures confirm a significant level of participation: the people counter at the exit of the Relics corridor registers over 2,000 visitors per day, with peaks topping 3,000 on weekends during Marian month. Pilgrims have already arrived from Poland, Mexico, Austria, Croatia, the United States, and South Korea. A group of around 1,000 Croatian faithful, who are a frequent presence at St. Anthony's celebrations, are also anticipated in the following days. Tredicina 2026 will be themed around the eighth centennial of St. Francis of Assisi's death. "We look to Anthony as an authoritative disciple of Francis", says the Basilica's rector, Father Antonio Ramina. The two saints share principles like care for the poor, pursuit of peace, dialogue, and conflict resolution. "In a time still marked by tension and division", he says, "their legacy remains profoundly timely".