Feast of San Bartolomeo and San Vincenzo Ferreri

The patronal festival of Pietransieri

The Feast of San Bartolomeo and San Vincenzo Ferreri is the most cherished event of the summer in Pietransieri, a small mountain hamlet in the municipality of Roccaraso, in the province of L'Aquila, in the heart of Abruzzo. On the Cinquemiglia plateau, at an altitude of over 1,200 meters, the community gathers every year at the end of August to honor its two patron saints: Saint Bartholomew the Apostle, celebrated on August 25th, and Saint Vincent Ferrer, celebrated the following day, August 26th.

Faith and tradition

The religious heart of the festival revolves around the parish church of San Bartolomeo Apostolo, where a solemn mass is held in honor of the patron saints. The statues are carried in procession through the village streets, accompanied by a brass band and the entire community. Traditional elements that have marked these days for generations are always present: morning blanks, popular games, a charity raffle, and the spectacular fireworks that light up the night at the end of the festivities.

Concerts in Piazza Garibaldi

In the evening, Piazza Garibaldi becomes the stage for the festival. For years, Pietransieri has attracted well-known names from the Italian music scene: past editions have featured artists such as Peppino Di Capri, RAF, Enrico Ruggeri, and Matia Bazar. The major evening concerts, with free admission, transform the small mountain village into a meeting point for residents, vacationers, and visitors from neighboring towns, creating a joyful atmosphere that brings different generations together.

A village steeped in memory

Celebrating the festival in Pietransieri also means keeping alive the identity of a community marked by history. The village is sadly linked to the 1943 massacre, and the patronal festivals represent a moment of cohesion and pride for the inhabitants and those who return to the village during the summer. Nestled in the alpine landscape of the Roccaraso area, one of the most famous tourist destinations in Abruzzo, the town offers visitors an authentic opportunity to discover the religious and popular traditions of the Abruzzo mountains.

When it takes place

The festivities are traditionally held on August 25th and 26th, with side events starting in the preceding days. The detailed calendar for the 2026 edition has not yet been announced: as is customary, the program is released in the weeks leading up to the festival by the Festival Committee and the parish.