This is the ritual that recalls the last moments of the Saint’s earthly life: aware of his approaching death, Anthony asked to be taken from Camposampiero to Padua, where he wanted to be buried. He was taken to the city on an ox-drawn cart. Once he arrived at the outskirts of the city, at a place called Arcella, his condition deteriorated and he died there peacefully, comforted by a vision of Jesus.
The Saint died on a Friday, June 13, 1231, in the evening. For this reason the friars of the Basilica, every Friday afternoon evoke the time of transit (i.e. the 'transition' from earthly to eternal life).
Every year on the eve of June 13, an evocative historical representation of Anthony’s death is organized along the streets of Arcella.