Agosto Angioino

A month of festivities in the Angevin village of Cittaducale

Every summer, throughout the month of August, Cittaducale—a small village in the province of Rieti, in the heart of the Lazio region near the border with Abruzzo—transforms into a grand open-air stage. The Agosto Angioino is not just a single event, but a major festival that brings together historical re-enactments, patronal feasts, fairs, and food festivals, enlivening the streets and squares of the historic center for weeks.

History: from Charles II of Anjou to Margaret of Austria

Cittaducale was founded in 1308 by Charles II of Anjou, King of Naples, who named it after his son Robert, Duke of Calabria: hence the city's name and the adjective «Angevin» (Angioino) that titles the event. The village was born as a defensive outpost for the Kingdom of Naples, guarding the borders with the Papal States. However, the most famous mark remains that of Margaret of Austria, daughter of Emperor Charles V, who ruled and resided in Cittaducale between 1569 and 1572 and commissioned the construction of elegant noble palaces. It is to her that the Agosto Angioino dedicates its core historical re-enactment.

The historical re-enactment and the costumed parade

The highlight of the event is the historical re-enactment dedicated to Margaret of Austria: a costumed parade that brings the 16th century back to life, featuring performers in period attire, drummers, flag-wavers, and traveling shows. Cittaducale is part of the network of Italian Margheritiane cities, and the re-enactment often draws delegations from other municipalities linked to the Duchess.

Traditional festivals and fairs

Alongside the historical aspect, the Agosto Angioino hosts a rich calendar of food and wine events and traditional gatherings, including:

• Sagra dei Piringhilli, dedicated to a typical local pastry;
• Sagra delle Sagne alla Molinara, featuring handmade pasta from the Sabine tradition;
• Pecorino Exhibition, which has its roots in an ancient fair established in 1519;
• San Magno Fair, in honor of the patron saint of Cittaducale, protector of livestock and pastoralism, whose cult spread along the transhumance trails.

Performances, flavors, and atmosphere

During the evenings, the town squares host live music, theatrical performances, street artists, and entertainment for all ages. Food stalls offer local dishes and artisanal products, while the village—with its elliptical Piazza del Popolo and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Popolo—provides a natural backdrop for an immersion into the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

An identity-defining event for Cittaducale and Lazio

Organized by the Civitas Ducalis Tourist Association in collaboration with the Municipality of Cittaducale, the Agosto Angioino is much more than a festival: it is a way to promote the history and identity of the village and to encourage cultural tourism in one of the most fascinating areas of Lazio, the Velino Valley, between Rieti and the Reatini mountains.