The patron saint of Cantù is Saint Apollonia, celebrated on 9 February: the occasion is accompanied by a traditional fair-market that still enlivens the town's streets today. The town also holds the church of Santi Michele e Biagio and the sanctuary of the Madonna dei Miracoli, among the most significant places of worship in the area.
Cantù is also known for its Carnival traditions: the Carnevale Ambrosiano, celebrated on the Saturday before the first Sunday of Lent according to the Ambrosian rite, with the traditional parade of allegorical floats and masked groups, has in recent years established itself as one of the region's largest carnivals; the Carnevale Canturino, organised by the association of the same name, typically involves four parades through the town instead. The town's calendar of fairs also includes the Fiera d'Agosto, on the 15th and 16th of that month, and the Fiera del Crocifisso, on the third Sunday of October.
