Festa Parrocchiale di Pozza (San Giacomo)

A village festival in the heart of the Monti della Laga

The Parish Festival of Pozza, dedicated to Saint James, is one of those events that tell the most authentic soul of the Marche hinterland. Pozza is a small hamlet in the municipality of Acquasanta Terme, in the Province of Ascoli Piceno, nestled in the Garrafo Valley within the territory of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. Just over a hundred inhabitants who, every year at the end of July, gather to honour the patron saint and to welcome those who come up here, among woods, waterfalls, and travertine.

Between faith and conviviality

Like many patronal festivals in the Apennines, that of Pozza also has two complementary souls. There is the religious part, with the three-day preparation, the solemn mass in honour of Saint James, and the procession that winds through the hamlet's streets, a heartfelt moment that brings together residents and holidaymakers. And then there is the secular and convivial part: the dancing evenings, the food stalls with traditional local dishes, and live music that enlivens the summer evenings. It is the tried-and-tested formula of the village festival, where size doesn't matter but the warmth of the welcome does.

Pozza, a village to discover

The festival is also an opportunity to discover a part of the territory often off the beaten track for mass tourism. From Pozza, along with the nearby hamlets of Pito and Umito, paths lead to the most picturesque destinations in the Monti della Laga, such as the Volpara waterfalls and the Macera della Morte. Here you will also find the International Partisan Cemetery of Pozza, a place of remembrance linked to the tragic events of March 1944, which adds historical depth to the visit.

Organisation and spirit of the event

The event is organised by the Pro Loco Acquasanta Terme, active in tourism, environment, culture, and leisure, in collaboration with the parish community of the hamlet. It is a traditional, free, and open-to-all event, which well represents the ability of small Marche villages to keep their customs alive. If you are looking for a genuine experience, far from the crowds, the Festival of Saint James in Pozza is the best way to experience the summer in the Monti della Laga.