Festa dei Fauni and Saint Joseph Patronal Feast
Propitiatory bonfires and the Patron Saint's feast in the medieval village of Sermoneta
About Festa dei Fauni
An ancient tradition at the gates of spring
The Festa dei Fauni is one of the most defining traditions of Sermoneta, a stunning medieval village in the province of Latina, Lazio. On the evening of March 18th, the eve of Saint Joseph's Day, large propitiatory bonfires known as "fauni" are lit in the Campo Vecchio park, fueled by olive tree prunings collected from the hills surrounding the town. The fire illuminating the night announces the imminent arrival of spring: an archaic ritual that has intertwined over the centuries with the Christian feast of Saint Joseph, the town's patron saint.
The bonfire evening at Campo Vecchio
The Festa dei Fauni, organized by the local Pro Loco, draws residents and visitors to the Campo Vecchio park every year. Around the bonfires, the Ducato Caetani flag-wavers perform, their banners evoking the history of the family that ruled the village from its imposing castle for centuries. The evening is marked by the free distribution of traditional sandwiches and local sweets, creating a festive atmosphere that brings all generations together.
March 19th: The Patronal Feast of Saint Joseph
Saint Joseph's Day is the religious heart of the event. In the afternoon, the statue of the Patron Saint is carried in a procession through the streets of the historic center, in collaboration with the Santa Maria Assunta Parish and accompanied by the "Fabrizio Caroso" municipal band, named after the famous Renaissance dance master born in Sermoneta. For the occasion, municipal offices remain closed: March 19th is, in every respect, a public holiday for the Sermoneta community.
Culture at Palazzo Caetani
Alongside traditional rituals, the Municipality of Sermoneta enriches the two-day event with cultural appointments hosted at Palazzo Caetani. In recent years, these have included photographic exhibitions dedicated to the town's history and book presentations linked to the Ceramics Museum, confirming a festival that blends devotion, folklore, and the promotion of local heritage.
Sermoneta, a medieval jewel of the Lepini Mountains
Attending the Festa dei Fauni is also an opportunity to discover one of the most beautiful villages in Lazio: the Caetani Castle, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the Loggia dei Mercanti, and the stone alleys overlooking the Pontine Plain. A few kilometers away are the Garden of Ninfa and the Valvisciolo Abbey, ideal destinations to complete your visit. The festival, which is free to attend, is promoted by the municipal administration together with the Pro Loco and the parish, and is among the most anticipated events in the calendar of popular traditions in the province of Latina.
Festa dei Fauni — edition 2026
Two days of tradition and culture for the 2026 edition, promoted by the Municipality of Sermoneta with the Pro Loco and the Parish of Santa Maria Assunta. On Wednesday, March 18th, the afternoon opened with games and activities dedicated to fathers, organized by the children's municipal council; from 7:00 PM at Campo Vecchio park, the performance of the Ducato Caetani flag-wavers preceded the lighting of the "fauni," the propitiatory bonfires that herald spring, with the distribution of traditional sandwiches and sweets. On Thursday, March 19th, at 4:30 PM at Palazzo Caetani, the second volume of the municipal editorial series "I quaderni del Museo. Sermoneta a porte aperte," dedicated to the Museum of the History of Ceramics, was presented by scientific director Vincenzo Scozzarella; at 6:45 PM, the statue of Saint Joseph was carried in procession through the village streets, accompanied by the Fabrizio Caroso marching band. As per tradition, municipal offices remained closed on March 19th for the Patron Saint's feast.
Programme Festa dei Fauni 2026
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
- Afternoon (from approx. 5:00 PM) — Campo Vecchio Park: games and activities dedicated to fathers with the children's municipal council
- 7:00 PM — Campo Vecchio Park: performance by the Ducato Caetani flag-wavers, lighting of the "fauni" (propitiatory bonfires), and distribution of traditional sandwiches and sweets
Thursday, March 19, 2026 — Feast of Saint Joseph
- 4:30 PM — Palazzo Caetani: presentation of the second volume of "I quaderni del Museo. Sermoneta a porte aperte," dedicated to the Museum of the History of Ceramics, by scientific director Vincenzo Scozzarella
- 6:45 PM — Historic Center: procession of the statue of Saint Joseph, in collaboration with the Parish of Santa Maria Assunta, accompanied by the Fabrizio Caroso marching band
Highlights Festa dei Fauni 2026
- Lighting of the "fauni" propitiatory bonfires at Campo Vecchio park
- Performance by the Ducato Caetani flag-wavers
- Free distribution of traditional sandwiches and sweets
- Activities for children and families dedicated to fathers
- Cultural presentation at Palazzo Caetani on the Ceramics Museum
- Solemn procession of Saint Joseph with the Fabrizio Caroso band
Prices Festa dei Fauni 2026
Practical information — Festa dei Fauni
Getting there
Sermoneta can be reached by car via the SS7 Appia or the SR148 Pontina, taking the Latina Scalo exit and following signs for the village. By train: Latina Scalo station (Rome-Naples line via Formia), approximately 8 km away, with bus and taxi connections. Parking is available at the foot of the historic center.
Admission
All festival events are free: bonfires, flag-waver performances, distribution of sandwiches and traditional sweets, the procession, and cultural events at Palazzo Caetani.
Tips
Mid-March evenings can be chilly: warm clothing is recommended to watch the lighting of the "fauni" at the Campo Vecchio park. Information: Municipality of Sermoneta, tel. +39 0773 30262.
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Where does it take place — Festa dei Fauni
Parco di Campo Vecchio e centro storico
Parco di Campo Vecchio, 04013 Sermoneta