Agosto Stronconese

A festival that tells the story of the village

Agosto Stronconese is the most cherished historical event in Stroncone, a small medieval village perched in the heart of the province of Terni, in Umbria. Founded in 1979, the festival commemorates a real and foundational event for the community: in August 1809, twenty young men from Stroncone, led by Father Angelico Coletti, travelled to the Convent of San Damiano in Assisi to retrieve the incorrupt body of the Stroncone friar Blessed Antonio Vici and bring it back to the Convent of San Francesco, where it rests to this day.

The two re-enactments

The story unfolds through two grand performances that take place on the festival evenings. The "Rescritto Imperiale" (Imperial Decree) stages the departure of the young men from Stroncone, while the "Corteo Storico" (Historical Pageant) re-enacts their return, welcomed by the celebrating community. These are complemented by recurring shows such as the Cambio della Guardia (Changing of the Guard), a characteristic representation of the changing of the guards at the town gate accompanied by drummers, and the re-enactment of the Antichi Mestieri (Ancient Crafts), which brings the workshops and artisanal skills of the past back to life along the alleys.

Flavours and atmosphere

Throughout the event, popular taverns, such as the Locanda dei Briganti, remain open, offering Umbrian culinary specialities in a setting of stone and old-world lights. The festival coincides with the patronal celebrations in honour of Blessed Antonio Vici and represents the time of year when Stroncone rediscovers its deepest identity, amidst devotion, memory, and conviviality.