Ascension Festival

One of Vasanello's oldest traditions

The Ascension Festival is considered the oldest celebration in Vasanello, a village in the province of Viterbo, in the heart of the Tuscia region. Tied to the Christian feast of the Ascension of Jesus, which falls forty days after Easter, the festival is held annually between mid and late May and stands as one of the most anticipated moments in the village's social calendar. It is far more than a simple food festival: it is a collective ritual that weaves together faith, conviviality, and a sense of belonging, passed down through generations.

The "Focarone" beneath the castle

The symbolic heart of the celebration is the traditional "Focarone" (bonfire) of the Ascension, a massive fire lit in Piazza della Repubblica, at the foot of the Orsini Misciattelli Castle that overlooks the historic center. The entire festival revolves around this evocative moment, which in 2024 marked its fortieth edition in its current format, though its roots go back much further. The fire, the square, and the castle create a backdrop that is worth the visit in itself.

Rotating organization: the levy classes

A unique feature of the festival is its organizational model: each year, the event is managed by the festival committee of the 'levy class' celebrating a 'round' birthday, a tradition widespread in the villages of Tuscia. In 2024, it was the turn of the 1984 Class Committee, while in 2025 it was the 1985 Class Committee. This passing of the torch ensures that a new generation of Vasanello residents takes charge of their village festival every year, keeping it alive and deeply felt.

The typical festival program

The festival day follows a well-loved and time-tested routine:

• Afternoon: entertainment and games for children, snacks, and a prize raffle to engage families from early on;
• Evening (from 8:00 PM): opening of the food stall with traditional dishes and local specialties, with gluten-free menus available upon reservation;
• Live Music: each edition brings a different band to the stage in Piazza della Repubblica — in 2024 the Clito Swing Band, in 2025 the Beat Sessanta — to keep the square dancing until late.

Flavors of Tuscia

The food stall is one of the main reasons the festival attracts visitors from neighboring towns. The cuisine is the genuine, traditional fare of the Viterbo area: homemade pasta, grilled meats, and local specialties, all paired with regional wines. The attention given to gluten-free menus, available by reservation, highlights the care with which the committees organize their hospitality.

Vasanello, a village in the Viterbo Tuscia

The municipality of Vasanello, in the province of Viterbo, Lazio region, is a village of ancient origins, known for its ceramic tradition, the Orsini Misciattelli Castle, and its Romanesque churches. Located just a few kilometers from Orte and the Tiber Valley, it is an ideal stop for those exploring Tuscia: the Ascension Festival is the perfect opportunity to discover it when the village is at its best, amidst popular tradition, good food, and genuine hospitality.