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 episode 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 reenactments

The story unfolds through two grand reenactments that take place on the festival evenings. The "Rescritto Imperiale" stages the departure of the young men from Stroncone, while the "Corteo Storico" (Historical Procession) commemorates 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 reenactment of the changing of the sentinels at the village gate accompanied by drummers, and the reenactment of 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 the chance to taste specialties of Umbrian cuisine in a setting of stone and period lighting. 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.