Assumption Feast and Farnese Historical Pageant

A festival in the heart of the Viterbo Tuscia

Perched among the woods of the Selva del Lamone, in the northwestern tip of the Viterbo province, the small town of Farnese brings to life one of its most cherished traditions every summer: the popular Feast of Maria Assunta, which coincides with the week of Ferragosto. It is a time when the entire community gathers, amidst ancient religious rites, historical memory, and the simple joy of village festivals in the Lazio region.

The Assumption procession on August 14th

The spiritual heart of the festivities is the procession of the Madonna Assunta, which takes place on the evening of August 14th. The statue of the Assumption, adorned with flowers and votive offerings, is carried on shoulders through the streets of the historic center, accompanied by the S. Cecilia Musical Band of Farnese and religious authorities. Originally created for purely devotional purposes, the celebration has been enriched over time with cultural and historical elements linked to the village's identity.

The Ferragosto tombola in Piazza del Comune

One of the most anticipated moments is the Ferragosto tombola, played in Piazza del Comune, the town's largest square, which has been recently renovated. The entire community gathers around the tables in a true festival within a festival, featuring sung numbers, prizes, and the convivial atmosphere of August evenings.

The Farnese Historical Pageant

The highlight comes on the final day with the traditional and fascinating Farnese Historical Pageant: participants in magnificent 18th-century costumes, constantly renewed and embellished, parade through the village streets, evoking the splendor of the illustrious family that gave the town its name. The parade also includes historical groups from the towns of the ancient Duchy of Castro and the Flag-wavers of Piansano, multiple-time Italian champions. A spectacle of color, music, and tradition that transports the visitor back to the 18th century in Farnese.

Food festivals and local flavors

The festival is also an opportunity to rediscover local cuisine. The Summer in Farnese calendar features the Egg Fettuccine Festival and the famous Acquacotta Festival, the ancient peasant soup of the Lazio Maremma, as well as food stands, open-air cinema, musical performances, and theatrical plays. A culinary journey that accompanies the evenings of Ferragosto.

Farnese, the Farnese family, and the Civic Museum

During the festivities, the Ferrante Rittatore Vonwiller Civic Museum remains open, exhibiting Etruscan archaeological finds, jewelry, and collections of local fauna. Visiting Farnese during these days means immersing yourself in the history of the most authentic Lazio Region, between the medieval village, the Selva del Lamone, and the memory of one of the most powerful families of the Italian Renaissance.