Homecoming Festival

The Homecoming Festival, the heart of Vasto's identity

Set within the Arena Ennio Morricone, every first Sunday of August, the city of Vasto (in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo) renews one of its most beloved and well-attended traditions: the Homecoming Festival. Born in 1976, the event is dedicated to the emigrants from Vasto who, having left their homeland in search of work, return in the summer to reunite with family and friends. With over half a century of history, it has become a symbol of identity, belonging, and collective memory for the entire community.

A fifty-year embrace

The idea was conceived to joyfully welcome citizens who were forced to emigrate and to ensure the thread connecting them to Vasto remained unbroken. Over the decades, the festival has gained deeper meaning while keeping its original spirit intact: to say thank you to those who left and continue to carry the name of this Adriatic city to the world. The event is promoted by the Associazione Pro Emigranti Abruzzesi in collaboration with the Municipality of Vasto, with the involvement of local associations and volunteers.

The Silvio Petroro Award

The highlight of the evening is the presentation of the Silvio Petroro Award, named in memory of the founder of the Pro Emigranti Association. The award, which includes a replica of the Emigrant Monument and a donation for social or cultural initiatives, is presented to distinguished figures with ties to Abruzzo and Vasto. Over the years, the prize has been awarded to prominent figures in Italian civil, institutional, and cultural life.

Music, entertainment, and community

Beyond the commemorative aspect, the Homecoming Festival offers an evening of entertainment featuring guest performers, comedians, singers, and musical ensembles, often hosted by well-known figures from journalism and television. Admission is free, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis: thousands of people, including residents and returning Vasto natives, fill the Arena for a summer night dedicated to conviviality and remembrance.

Vasto and the memory of emigration

The festival is deeply rooted in the history of Abruzzese emigration, which profoundly shaped the region during the 20th century. Vasto, overlooking the Adriatic Sea and the heart of its gulf, has chosen to transform this painful memory into a moment of joy and gratitude, making the Homecoming Festival a bridge between those who stayed and those who left, between generations and continents.