Feast of Saint Mark, Patron Saint of Atina

The patronal feast of Atina

In the heart of the Val di Comino, in the province of Frosinone, the town of Atina honors its patron saint, Saint Mark Galileo, every year. Considered the oldest Christian figure in the valley and the city's first Bishop, the feast falls on October 1st and draws faithful, civil and religious authorities, and visitors to the ancient village for a day that blends devotion, historical memory, and a sense of community.

Saint Mark Galileo, first Bishop of Atina

Tradition links Atina inextricably to the nearby town of Veroli: a bond of brotherhood that local sources trace back to the 5th century, when the people of Veroli reportedly ransomed about two hundred children from Atina, establishing a pact later formalized in the famous "Patti Verolani" of 1615. Even today, the mayor and the banners of friendly municipalities participate in the celebrations, testifying to a centuries-old bond between these two communities of southern Lazio.

The vesting rite and the procession

The day begins with the vesting of the Saint, who is adorned with episcopal ornaments: the cope, the mitre, the ring, and the pectoral cross. In the afternoon, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta hosts the solemn Mass, followed by the procession that winds through the main streets of the historic center. The effigy of Saint Mark, accompanied by a marching band and banners, parades until it returns to the church, where the faithful pay homage with the kissing of the relic, housed inside a precious 18th-century "reliquary arm." In the most recent edition, the solemnity was enhanced by the presence of a mounted Carabinieri patrol, which made the procession a moment of great intensity.

Music and fireworks

At nightfall, the festival becomes a popular celebration: a large wind orchestra performs in the square, and the sky over Atina lights up with traditional fireworks in honor of the city's first Bishop. There is no shortage of food stalls featuring typical products of the Val di Comino, accompanying an evening of conviviality open to all.

A village to discover

The festival is also the perfect opportunity to visit Atina, one of the most evocative villages in Ciociaria, with its pre-Roman polygonal walls, medieval historic center, and panoramic views of the valley. An event that combines spirituality, tradition, and the rediscovery of the territory in the heart of Lazio.