Festival of the Holy Martyrs Quirino and Candido

A patronal festival in the heart of Tuscia

The Festival of the Holy Martyrs Quirino and Candido is the defining event for Montalto di Castro, a town in the Province of Viterbo, in northern Lazio. It is celebrated in early March, around March 9th, the day tradition marks the martyrdom of the two saints. For a few days, the ancient village, perched above the Fiora valley and just a few kilometers from the sea and the Vulci archaeological site, pauses its daily rhythm for a celebration that unites liturgy, memory, and community life.

History: The relics discovered at Santa Lucia

Devotion in Montalto dates back to the late 16th and early 17th centuries, when the remains attributed to Quirino and Candido were unearthed during expansion work on the small Church of Santa Lucia, just outside the town. The local magistrate Zucchi reported the find to ecclesiastical authorities, and Bishop Matteucci of Viterbo ordered the translation of the relics to the Church of Santa Maria, now the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, where they are still kept and venerated today.

Tradition traces the story of the two martyrs back to the persecution of Christians in the East: soldiers of the XII Fulminata Legion who were sentenced to death in Sebaste, Lesser Armenia, and are commemorated on March 9th. Local historians and scholars have frequently accompanied the festival with public readings and documentary reconstructions, reconnecting the people of Montalto to the history of the Santa Lucia discovery and their own local identity.

The Triduum and the liturgy

The festival opens with a three-day preparation period (triduum): three days of Eucharistic adoration, recitation of the Holy Rosary, vespers, and Holy Mass in the late afternoon, with the participation of the parish community. These are days of reflection that precede and prepare for the festive explosion on Sunday.

The procession and historical pageant

The highlight is the procession of the relics: the urns of the patron saints are carried through the streets of the center on an ox-drawn cart, following a rural tradition that has become the hallmark of the Montalto festival. They are accompanied by a historical pageant in period costumes, with horses, flag-wavers, and the local district groups, while the Arciconfraternity of the Gonfalone oversees the re-enactment and the accompanying rituals.

• Triduum of preparation with adoration, rosary, vespers, and Mass
• Floral tribute at the ancient Church of Santa Lucia, site of the discovery
• Procession with the relics on an ox-drawn cart
• Historical pageant in period costumes with horses and district groups
• Solemn Eucharistic celebration in the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta
• Convivial moments and celebrations at the parish oratory

A town that recognizes itself

More than just a show for tourists, the festival is a collective ritual: families return to the town, the districts prepare their costumes for weeks, and the elderly tell children the story of the relics. The municipal administration, the parish, volunteer associations, and law enforcement collaborate every year to ensure the success of the event, which takes place entirely in public spaces and is free to attend.

What to see nearby

Those arriving in Montalto di Castro for the festival can take advantage of the day to discover a territory rich in history: the Vulci Naturalistic Archaeological Park with its famous Devil's Bridge and Etruscan necropolis, the medieval village with the Guglielmi Castle, and the coast of Montalto Marina overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. In March, the Viterbo Tuscia region offers lush green landscapes and seasonal gastronomy featuring artichokes, new olive oil, and local catch from the coast.