Anxur Christmas Festival

Christmas in the city of Jupiter Anxur

The Anxur Christmas Festival is the official holiday program of the Municipality of Terracina, in the province of Latina, Southern Lazio. Its name pays homage to Anxur, the ancient Volscian and Roman name of the city, which is dominated by the famous Temple of Jupiter Anxur on Mount Sant'Angelo. Established in 2023, the festival brings all holiday initiatives under one brand: festive lighting, children's entertainment, markets, concerts, and traditional performances, running from the Immaculate Conception to Epiphany.

A city-wide celebration

The festival follows a "widespread" format: events are not confined to a single location but span the entire city, from the upper historic center of Roman and medieval origin to the seafront and surrounding districts. The lighting of the illuminations in Piazza Garibaldi officially kicks off the festivities in early December, while video projections and background music accompany strolls through the city center. The heart of the entertainment for children is Santa's Grotto, set up in the Chezzi area and typically open from December 8th to January 6th, featuring an enchanted garden and family activities.

Music at the Roman Theatre

A distinctive feature of Anxur Christmas is the concert series hosted in the Roman Theatre of Terracina, an extraordinary archaeological site restored to the city and used as a stage. The "Christmas at the Roman Theatre" series, curated by the Fondazione Città di Terracina in collaboration with the municipality and The Lab Music Factory music school, offers international gospel choirs, grand Christmas orchestral concerts, a New Year's Day concert, and guitar performances, all with free admission upon reservation. Hearing live music amidst the stones of a Roman-era theatre is an experience that makes the trip worthwhile on its own.

Christmas flavors and traditions

In the days leading up to Christmas, the "Sapori di Natale" (Flavors of Christmas) markets take place between Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Mazzini, showcasing local products and handicrafts, accompanied by entertainment events like "A Natale puoi". The religious and folk component is entrusted to the living nativity scenes in the districts of La Fiora and San Silviano, and the Befana festival in Borgo Hermada, which concludes the program on January 6th. It is a quintessentially Italian balance of the sacred, folklore, and conviviality.

Why visit

• Gospel and orchestral concerts inside the Roman Theatre, free with reservation
• Santa's Grotto and children's activities at the Chezzi area
• "Sapori di Natale" markets featuring local Pontine products
• Living nativity scenes in the districts and the Befana celebration in Borgo Hermada
• The charm of the illuminated historic center, including the Capitolium, the Cathedral of San Cesareo, and the winter seaside

Terracina in winter

Visiting Terracina during Anxur Christmas means discovering one of the most historically layered cities in Lazio in its winter guise: the Via Appia crossing the center, the Roman Forum, the Temple of Jupiter Anxur illuminated on the cliff, and the off-season seafront. The festival is supported by the Municipality of Terracina alongside local associations, parishes, and musical groups, confirming a manifestation deeply rooted in the local community.