Colubro Festival (Feast of Saint John the Baptist)

The patronal feast of the Colubro district

In the heart of the Lepini Mountains, the Colubro district, a hamlet of the municipality of Artena in the province of Rome, celebrates its patron saint every summer with the Festivities in honor of Saint John the Baptist, also known as the Colubro Festival. It is one of the most heartfelt community celebrations in the area: for several consecutive evenings in July, the small hamlet transforms into a major gathering point where religious devotion intertwines with music, good food, and families spending time together.

The 2026 program

The 2026 edition took place from Thursday, July 9th to Sunday, July 12th, featuring four free-entry evenings hosted by Veronica Riccitelli and Cristiano Massacri. On Thursday, July 9th, at 9:30 PM, the fourth edition of The Night of Dance with Davide and Valentina; Friday, July 10th, at 9:30 PM, a concert by I Fratelli Scacchia; Saturday, July 11th, from 10:00 PM, the 90 Mania dance night with Cassa Dritta and Capitan Giggi. Sunday held the grand finale: in the morning, the 2nd "Saint John the Baptist" Motorcycle Rally; in the evening, at 9:30 PM, a concert by Franco Ricciardi and, starting at 11:00 PM, the traditional closing fireworks display.

Flavors and tradition

The beating heart of the festival is the food stalls, open every evening in the event area: here, you can enjoy traditional Lazio dishes paired with regional wines in a convivial atmosphere that accompanies concerts and shows until late at night. Other events punctuate the festival around the kitchen, from the agricultural fair to dance performances, and from the briscola card tournament to the lottery draw.

Devotion and community

Alongside the festive side, the religious dimension remains central: Holy Mass and the solemn procession accompanied by the band renew the district's bond with its patron, Saint John the Baptist, every year. The organization is entrusted to the local Festival Committee, which involves residents and volunteers from the hamlet: it is this spirit of participation that makes the Colubro Festival an identity-defining event, much more than just a simple series of summer evenings.

Artena and the Lepini Mountains

Artena is a characteristic village in Lazio, famous for its car-free historic center perched on the slopes of the Lepini Mountains, southeast of Rome. The Colubro district is located in the municipality's countryside, easily reachable from Rome and the towns of the Sacco Valley. The festival is an excellent opportunity to discover this corner of the Roman territory off the beaten tourist path, amidst popular tradition, hospitality, and the genuine flavors of the Lazio hinterland.