Cacciata and Feast of San Cataldo

San Cataldo and Supino: A devotion dating back to 1653

The Cacciata and Feast of San Cataldo is the heart of the religious and cultural identity of Supino, a village located at the foot of the Lepini Mountains in the southern Lazio region. San Cataldo, an Irish monk and bishop who lived in the 7th century (c. 610-685), evangelized the Taranto area, where his remains are still kept today. In 1653, a relic of the saint's arm, encased in a silver reliquary, was donated to the community of Supino. Since then, it has been housed in the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, marking the beginning of an unbreakable bond between this Ciociarian village and the Irish bishop.

The Cacciata: The nocturnal ritual that awakens the village

The most striking moment of the festivities is undoubtedly the 'Cacciata', which takes place on the night of May 9th. At 3:00 AM, a traditional nocturnal call echoes through the village streets, summoning the residents. The statue of San Cataldo is 'cacciata'—literally 'pushed out' or removed from its niche—dressed in sacred pastoral regalia, and placed on its processional carriage in the center of the church. It is an ancient and deeply felt ritual; entire families rise in the middle of the night to witness the robing of the saint, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and emotion that makes this celebration unique among the patronal feasts of Lazio.

The procession of the 'incollatori'

On May 10th, the day of the liturgical feast of San Cataldo, the community gathers for a solemn mass, followed by the most spectacular event: the grand procession through the historic center. The statue of the patron saint is carried on the shoulders of over 50 'incollatori', the traditional bearers who pass this honor down from generation to generation. The procession winds through the village to the small church of Saints Sebastian and Rocco, where thanksgiving blessings are imparted before the return. Crowds line the streets to accompany the saint, in a day that unites faith, tradition, and local pride.

The 'San Cataldino' and the opening of the festivities

Cataldian devotion actually marks the entire year in Supino. On March 8th, the ceremony known as 'San Cataldino' takes place, during which the relic of the saint's arm is carried in procession between the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maggiore and the sanctuary, officially opening the civil and religious festivities in honor of the patron saint. The May celebrations represent the culmination of this period, spanning three days from May 8th to 10th.

Supino, the Lepini Mountains, and the Ciociaria

Supino is a village of ancient origins in the Ciociaria, set among olive groves and the woods of the Lepini Mountains, just a few kilometers from Frosinone. The village preserves the Sanctuary of San Cataldo, the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, and a historic center filled with alleys and stairways that come alive during the patronal feast with illuminations, market stalls, and convivial gatherings. For the municipality of Supino and the entire province of Frosinone, the Cacciata is one of the most defining popular traditions of the Lazio region: an event that draws returning emigrants, visitors, and curious travelers every year, offering a glimpse into an authentic corner of southern Lazio far from the major tourist circuits.