Festival of Saints Canzio, Canziano and Canzianilla

The patronal festival of Paglieta

The Festival of Saints Canzio, Canziano and Canzianilla is the most cherished event in the calendar of Paglieta, a town of just over four thousand inhabitants nestled in the hills of the lower Sangro Valley, in the Province of Chieti, Abruzzo. For three days in late May, the village gathers around its patron saints with liturgical celebrations, processions, and popular festivities that involve the entire community.

Who are the Santi Canziani?

According to tradition, Canzio, Canziano, and Canzianilla were three martyr siblings who fell under Diocletian in the early 4th century and were buried in the locality of ad Aquas Gradatas, modern-day San Canzian d'Isonzo. Their cult is said to have reached Paglieta thanks to Venetian merchants and sailors, bound to their devotion by stories of salvation at sea and miraculous healings. The Church of San Canziano, documented as early as the 12th century, stands as a testament to their veneration and remains dear to the local community.

A program between faith and folklore

The festival alternates between devotional moments and cultural and musical entertainment. Holy Masses and processions featuring the saints' statues, accompanied by the "Città di Casoli" band, mark the days, while evenings in the square are dedicated to performances. The "Voci d'Abruzzo" project, involving classes from the "B. Croce" Comprehensive Institute and the "S. Giusto Martire" Folk Choir, celebrates local language and traditions.

• The International Folk Choir Festival, now in its 17th edition, featuring Abruzzese and guest choral groups
• The presentation of the book "Paglieta e i Santi Canziani", dedicated to the history of this devotion
• The "Nicola Fortuna" Memorial Athletics Trophy
• Musical evenings such as "Power Hits live" and the "Concerto dei Ricordi", a journey through hits from the 60s to the 80s
• The fireworks display that concludes the festivities

A heritage of the Paglieta community

Described by organizers as an event "deeply rooted in the historical memory of the community," the Festival of the Santi Canziani is much more than a religious recurrence: it is a moment of collective identity where Paglieta rediscovers its roots, its folklore, and its bond with other choral groups in Abruzzo. The event is organized by the Festival Committee with the patronage of the municipal administration.