Feast of Saint Magnus and Saint Victorinus

The Patronal Feast of Bugnara

In the heart of the Peligna Valley, at an altitude of 580 meters and just a few kilometers from Sulmona, the village of Bugnara (Province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo) dedicates two days each year to its co-patron saints: Saint Magnus, celebrated on September 4th, and Saint Victorinus, celebrated on September 5th. It is the most anticipated event on the local calendar, drawing back emigrants and visitors to this small town, which is officially recognized as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.

Processions and the Tradition of the Statues

The religious core of the festival is the solemn Mass followed by a procession through the streets of the historic center. The two saints' statues, which are of fine artistic craftsmanship, are kept in the Church of the Most Holy Rosary, a late-Baroque building completed in 1602, known for its single nave and relief ceiling. Local tradition dictates that on September 4th, the day dedicated to Saint Magnus, the statue of Saint Victorinus leads the procession, and the following day, dedicated to Saint Victorinus, the roles are reversed: a symbolic gesture highlighting the unbreakable bond between the town's two patrons.

Music, Brass Bands, and Folk Games

Alongside the religious observances, the two days come alive with musical performances and the traditional brass band concert, which echoes through the village squares. The festival also preserves the memory of old-fashioned folk games: most notably the greasy pole, where brave participants attempt to climb a grease-covered pole in the center of the square to grab prizes, usually food items, placed at the top. To round off the festivities, in the days immediately following, the town also hosts a Senior Citizens' Day and a cycling race.

Bugnara and the Peligna Valley

Dominated by the Ducal Palace, the so-called Fortress of the Scorpion dating back to the year 1000, Bugnara retains a compact and charming historic center. The very name of the village suggests its ancient origins, possibly from the Latin expression Bonae Ara, the altar dedicated to the goddess Bona or Ceres. Experiencing the Feast of Saint Magnus and Saint Victorinus means immersing yourself in this millennial history and the devotion of a community that, generation after generation, continues to renew its bond with its patron saints.