Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and the Patron Saint James

The patronal festival of Civitella San Paolo

The Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and the Patron Saint James is the most significant and heartfelt celebration in Civitella San Paolo, a small town in the Province of Rome, nestled in the heart of the Sabina region of Lazio. Every year, on the weekend following September 8th, the village unites around its religious and communal identity to honor both the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and Saint James the Greater, Apostle and Martyr, the town's patron saint.

Three days of devotion and tradition

The festivities run from Friday to Sunday, blending religious services with popular events. Liturgical celebrations at the Church of San Giacomo Maggiore are accompanied by social gatherings throughout the historic center, with the warm participation of residents and many faithful who return to the village for the occasion.

The solemn procession on Saturday evening

The heart of the festival is the solemn procession on Saturday evening, which begins around 9:00 PM. The statues of the Madonna and Saint James are carried on shoulders through the village streets, winding through the ancient medieval district. At the end of the procession, the two statues are placed on the church steps, facing the medieval Castle, to witness the fireworks display set off in their honor: a deeply moving moment that concludes the most intense evening of the festivities.

A village in the Sabina region

Perched on a ridge between the Tiber Valley and the Sabina hills, Civitella San Paolo preserves a medieval layout of narrow alleys, picturesque corners, and ancient walls. The current Church of San Giacomo Maggiore, consecrated in 1890 and designed by architect Francesco Vespignani, dominates the town with its high bell tower and travertine staircase, serving as the natural backdrop for the patronal festival.

A defining local tradition

More than just an event, the festival is a collective gathering for Civitella San Paolo, uniting generations through faith and local memory. The bond between the community, the parish, and the Municipality of Civitella San Paolo in Lazio makes this a staple of the local calendar, drawing residents, emigrants, and visitors from neighboring villages every September.