Feast in honor of Saint Roch

Saint Roch, the Pilgrim Saint

In the heart of summer, Laurenzana - a village in the province of Potenza overlooking the Lucanian Dolomites - renews its devotion to Saint Roch, the pilgrim saint protector against epidemics, venerated throughout Southern Italy. August 16th is the day of the feast, a moment of gathering for the entire community and for the many emigrants who return to the village for the occasion.

Preparation and Novena

The celebrations begin well in advance: from the first days of August, the novena with the evening holy mass in the Church of San Giorgio spiritually prepares the faithful for the event. It is a time of reflection that grows in intensity as the saint's day approaches.

The Saint's Day

On August 16th, the day begins early with the alms collection through the town streets accompanied by the band, an ancient tradition of charitable fundraising marked by music. The morning solemn mass is followed by the procession that crosses the historic center with the saint's effigy. In the evening, Piazza Comodo becomes the heart of the civil festival with the concert and musical entertainment.

Between Faith and Community

Coordinated by the parish and the committee for religious festivals, the feast of Saint Roch is a perfect blend of the sacred and the profane: the devotion of the processions and the merriment of the evening gatherings in the square merge into one of the most heartfelt celebrations in the Laurenzana calendar.