Festa Patronale di San Rocco

The patron saint of San Chirico Nuovo

San Chirico Nuovo is a small village of just under a thousand inhabitants in the province of Potenza, nestled in the hills of inner Basilicata. Here, the patron saint is San Rocco, the pilgrim from Montpellier invoked against epidemics and venerated in numerous villages in Southern Italy. His festival, in August, is the most cherished event of the year for the community.

Devotion and tradition

The patronal festival combines, as is traditional in Lucania, the sacred and popular dimensions. The liturgical celebrations in honor of San Rocco culminate in the procession of the saint's effigy through the streets of the historic center, accompanied by the band and the participation of the entire community. The illuminations light up the village and create the typical atmosphere of summer festivals in Southern Italy.

A community festival

• Solemn Masses and moments of prayer in honor of the patron saint;
• Procession of San Rocco through the village streets;
• Illuminations, band music, and moments of conviviality.

The village of inner Basilicata

The festival of San Rocco is an opportunity to discover San Chirico Nuovo and its hinterland, where returning emigrants and visitors gather during the Ferragosto period. In a small village like this, the patron saint's festival is the moment when the community recognizes itself and renews its bond with its roots and traditions.