Collepietro Patronal Feasts (Saint John the Baptist and Saint Anthony of Padua)
Three days of faith, music, and tradition in the 'Village of Breath'
About Collepietro Patronal Feasts
The Patronal Feasts of Collepietro
In the heart of the Abruzzo hinterland, nestled between the Gran Sasso massif and the Subequana Valley, the tiny village of Collepietro (province of L'Aquila) has just over two hundred residents. Yet, every year at the end of June, it transforms into a vibrant stage for celebration. The Patronal Feasts honor the two saints dearest to the community: Saint John the Baptist and Saint Anthony of Padua. It is the most anticipated event of the year, drawing home emigrants and scattered families, and filling the narrow stone streets with life.
A village at 849 meters, between faith and community
Perched at an altitude of 849 meters and known as the "Village of Breath" for its crisp air and sweeping views of the plateau, Collepietro is home to the beautiful Church of Saint John the Baptist. This ancient building, featuring a Romanesque portal and a Baroque facade, serves as the heart of the religious celebrations. The festival is born and thrives here: the parish, together with the Festival Committee and the local Pro Loco, sustains a tradition that weaves together deep devotion and village life.
What to expect
The program alternates between sacred moments and festive cheer. Two solemn masses in honor of the patrons, accompanied by processions through the village streets and fireworks, mark the days, while the marching band announces the festivities from early morning. In the evening, Piazza Sacro Cuore comes alive with musical and comedy shows, while food stalls offer traditional local cuisine. There are also activities for children, including bouncy castles and artistic installations curated by local groups.
Why visit
The Collepietro Patronal Feasts are the perfect example of an authentic Abruzzese village festival: genuine, free, and community-focused. Those seeking an experience far from the large tourist crowds will find the sincere hospitality of an Apennine village, blending the sacred and the profane under the stars of the Subequana Valley.
Collepietro Patronal Feasts — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Collepietro Patronal Feasts was held from June 26 to 28, organized by the Festival Committee with the involvement of the Pro Loco. The program combined the religious dimension—solemn masses for the two patrons with processions and fireworks—with evening entertainment in Piazza Sacro Cuore, ranging from 1960s hits revisited by 'Mafalda & I Baccalà' to the comedy of Vincenzo Olivieri. Food stalls accompanied the entire event with the flavors of the traditional Collepietro cuisine.
Programme Collepietro Patronal Feasts 2026
Friday, June 26
- 7:30 PM — Opening of food stalls in Piazza Sacro Cuore
- 9:00 PM — Musical show with Mafalda & I Baccalà, a beat band with a repertoire inspired by the 1960s
Saturday, June 27 — Saint Anthony of Padua
- Morning — Marching band tour through the village streets
- 11:00 AM — Solemn Holy Mass in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua, followed by the procession and fireworks
- 5:00 PM — Inauguration of the crochet art installation on Via Mazzini, curated by the 'Il filo che lega' group of the Pro Loco
- Afternoon — Bouncy castles for children in Piazza Sacro Cuore
- 7:30 PM — Food stalls in Piazza Sacro Cuore
- 9:00 PM — Comedy show 'Roba da Matti' with Vincenzo Olivieri, accompanied by the 'Coma so'na band' orchestra
Sunday, June 28 — Saint John the Baptist
- 11:00 AM — Solemn Holy Mass in honor of Saint John the Baptist, followed by the procession through the village streets
Highlights Collepietro Patronal Feasts 2026
Prices Collepietro Patronal Feasts 2026
Practical information — Collepietro Patronal Feasts
Where
Collepietro (AQ), province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo. Celebrations take place in Piazza Sacro Cuore, at the Church of Saint John the Baptist, and throughout the historic center.
When
Late June, coinciding with the feast days of Saint Anthony of Padua and Saint John the Baptist.
How to get there
Collepietro can be reached by car via the A25 motorway (exit Bussi/Popoli or Pratola Peligna), heading up toward the Subequana Valley. The village is located at an altitude of approximately 849 meters in the L'Aquila hinterland.
Costs
Admission to shows and religious celebrations is free. Food stalls are available for purchase on-site.
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Where does it take place — Collepietro Patronal Feasts
Piazza Sacro Cuore
Piazza Sacro Cuore, 67020 Collepietro