Arti & Mestieri

Arti & Mestieri: the patronal feast of Fara in Sabina

Arti & Mestieri is the event that accompanies the patronal celebrations every late August in Fara in Sabina, a medieval village in the province of Rieti, Lazio. The festival is dedicated to the town's two patron saints, Saint Antoninus the Martyr and Saint Emygdius the Bishop, transforming the historic center for three days into a sprawling stage for culture, music, craftsmanship, and conviviality. The hub of the festivities is Piazza Garibaldi, overlooking the stone alleys of the ancient village.

A medieval village in celebration

Perched on a hill overlooking the Tiber Valley and the Sabina countryside, Fara in Sabina preserves a medieval urban fabric of stairways, historic palaces, and scenic viewpoints. During Arti & Mestieri, the streets fill with stalls, lights, and music: it is the perfect opportunity to explore the village, wander through pop-up workshops, and soak in the atmosphere of a community gathering around its traditions.

A program of music, workshops, and shows

The event offers a rich and diverse calendar designed for all ages. Evenings are marked by live concerts and DJ sets, featuring acts like Santa Unplugged and their musical workshops, groups like Accordi & Disaccordi, and country dance nights with live bands. Traditional folk moments are also a staple, with performances by the Gruppo Folk Città di Cures, alongside open-air screenings accompanied by themed music and cuisine.

• Concerts, DJ sets, and live music in Piazza Garibaldi
• Folk group performances and traditional dances
• Musical open-air cinema screenings under the stars
• Creative workshops, games, and activities for adults and children
• Guided tours of the town's Civic Archaeological Museum

Craftsmanship, local products, and gastronomy

The name of the festival itself reflects its spirit: an artisan and artist market showcasing paintings, prints, and handcrafted items—often made from reclaimed wood—alongside workshops and demonstrations. The culinary experience is curated by stalls featuring typical products from the Sabina region, aperitifs with local specialties, cocktail bars, and artisanal gelato, with themed dinners during the main evenings. It is a way to unite the culture of craftsmanship with the flavors of the Sabina table.

The religious roots of the festival

Like many celebrations in the villages of Lazio, Arti & Mestieri is rooted in the festivities honoring the patron saints. Centered on the devotion to Saint Antoninus the Martyr and Saint Emygdius the Bishop—the latter traditionally invoked against earthquakes—the community of Fara in Sabina renews an annual appointment that weaves together popular faith, local identity, and cultural offerings, with the active involvement of the Pro Loco and the municipal administration.