Festa degli Alberetti

A commemoration of deep civic and religious significance

The Festa degli Alberetti is one of the most cherished traditions in Villavallelonga, a small town in the Marsica region of L'Aquila province, set in the Upper Giovenco Valley within the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. Every year, around November 4th, the village gathers to honor the memory of its fallen soldiers from all wars in a ceremony that weaves together civic reflection and religious devotion, involving the entire community.

The blessing of the alberetti

The event takes its name from the blessing of the alberetti, a traditional rite deeply rooted in local culture that precedes the religious portion of the day. These blessed young branches symbolize rebirth and the continuity of memory—a simple yet profound gesture that connects new generations to the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for their country.

The procession and sites of memory

The heart of the event is the commemorative procession, which sets off in the morning from Piazza Olmi and winds through the village's symbolic landmarks. The procession is attended by religious, military, and institutional authorities, accompanied by local citizens. The route includes key stops:

• Piazza Olmi, the starting point of the procession;
• Piazza San Francesco, where Holy Mass is celebrated;
• Piazza IV Novembre, featuring the wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial.

A village of tradition and nature

Villavallelonga is renowned for its rich heritage of folk rituals, from the famous fires and traditions of Saint Anthony Abbot to a lifestyle deeply connected to the woods and mountains of the National Park. The Festa degli Alberetti is an essential part of this identity, serving as a moment of collective reflection where the Marsican community reaffirms its bond with its history and values of peace and remembrance.

An event open to all

Promoted by the Municipality of Villavallelonga, the ceremony is free to attend, and all citizens and visitors are warmly invited to participate. It is a unique opportunity to discover the authentic soul of an inland Abruzzo village and share in a moment of community with profound human and civic value.