Feast of the Patron Saints Philip and James

The patronal festival of Monterotondo

The Feast of the Patron Saints Philip and James is the most cherished civil and religious event in Monterotondo, a town in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, in the Lazio region. It is traditionally celebrated on the first Sunday of May, close to May 3rd, the day the liturgical calendar commemorates the two apostles. The event is organized by the Santa Maria Maddalena parish, the town's cathedral, in collaboration with the Pro Loco.

Two apostles, one shared devotion

Philip and James have been commemorated together since the 6th century, when the basilica now known as the Basilica of the Twelve Apostles was consecrated in Rome. This shared history has led to the dual dedication that has defined the local community for centuries: in Monterotondo, the two saints are not just a liturgical reference but a core element of collective identity, reflected in local emblems, confraternities, and street names.

The religious program

The heart of the festival remains its devotional aspect, with celebrations spread throughout the weekend:

• the triduum of preparation in the days leading up to Sunday, featuring prayer services at the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maddalena;
• the solemn mass on Sunday morning, the main community event;
• the procession carrying the images of the patron saints through the streets of the historic center, accompanied by confraternities, parish associations, and the local town band.

The sight of the procession winding through the alleys of the old town, with decorated balconies and festive lights, is the most iconic moment of the day.

The town in the square

Alongside the liturgical program, the patronal day opens up to civil life with public festivities and sporting events promoted by local associations. The historic center and main squares host stalls, musical performances, family entertainment, and activities for children, while local sports clubs organize tournaments and demonstrations. It is a time when the town truly shines, welcoming numerous visitors from the surrounding Sabina Romana area.

Local flavors

As with any patronal festival in Lazio, food plays a central role. During the event, there is no shortage of stalls selling local products, traditional sweets, and regional specialties: the Monterotondo area is known for its extra virgin olive oil from the Sabina hills, homemade bread, and sheep's milk cheeses from the hinterland. A few days later in May, the town calendar also features the Fava Bean and Pecorino Festival in the Borgonovo district, extending the festive atmosphere.

Why visit

Monterotondo is located just over twenty kilometers from Rome and is easily accessible, making the patronal festival an excellent opportunity to discover a compact historic center dominated by Palazzo Orsini-Barberini—now the town hall—and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maddalena with its art treasures. First-time visitors will find an authentic celebration, not staged for tourism, where community participation remains the most visible highlight.