Madonna delle Grazie Festival

Lanuvio's premier festival

In the town of Lanuvio, a village in the Castelli Romani area within the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital (Lazio), the Madonna delle Grazie Festival is not just another date on the calendar: it is the event that defines the very identity of the town. As the official municipal record states, "it is the festival of Lanuvio par excellence," experienced with an intensity that involves every segment of the population, from children to the elderly, from families to missionary groups.

The tradition has its roots in the late 19th century: in 2025, the 139th Solemn Procession was celebrated, followed by the 140th in 2026. Over one hundred and thirty years of uninterrupted continuity make this festival one of the longest-running in the Alban Hills area.

The Sanctuary and the venerated image

The heart of the festival is the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grazie, located on Via delle Grazie in the lower part of the town, overlooking the valley below. The building dates back to the 14th century and was expanded in 1523, retaining original architectural elements, including an ogival window on the left wall and the pediment of the historic portal. Inside, there is a remarkable triumphal arch in peperino—the volcanic stone typical of the Castelli Romani—and a 16th-century cloister.

A devastating fire severely damaged the church in the 19th century, forcing its closure for years until it reopened following restoration work. The sanctuary houses a 17th-century painting of the Madonna delle Grazie, surrounded by numerous ex-votos left by the faithful. On May 1, 1986, the site was elevated to a Diocesan Minor Sanctuary.

The two processions

The rhythm of the festival is marked by two solemn processions that take place nine days apart:

• The Outward Procession, on the first Saturday evening: the image of the Virgin leaves the Sanctuary and is accompanied in a pageant to the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, a 17th-century church in the historic center, where it remains exposed for veneration throughout the week. Several hundred faithful participate, along with the statues of the patron saints.
• The Return Procession, on the final Sunday: after the Solemn Holy Mass, the image is brought back to the Sanctuary in a procession that represents the most emotional moment of the entire event.

The religious program

Between the two processions, a packed calendar of spiritual events unfolds. The traditional triduum of the patron saints Philip and James is celebrated, and each day is dedicated to a component of the community: the youth, families, missions, the elderly, and the sick. Moments of prayer, Eucharistic adoration, and celebrations alternate until the final Saturday, when the Precious Weddings ceremony is held, dedicated to couples celebrating significant wedding anniversaries.

The secular side: music, folklore, and fireworks

Alongside the devotional aspect, the secular program enlivens the town squares for the entire duration of the festival. Recent editions have featured the Frascati Brass Band concert, tribute shows to Italian music, the Abarth gathering with vintage cars, fashion shows, performances by local musical groups, and 90s-themed evenings.

The final Sunday brings together all the identity-defining elements: the flag-wavers from Cori, the Civita Folk group, concerts in the square, the lottery draw, and above all, the grand fireworks display at the Piazzale dei Frati Francescani, which closes the festivities by illuminating the sky of the Castelli Romani.

Why it's worth the trip

Just over thirty kilometers from Rome, Lanuvio offers a truly authentic portrait of popular religious life in the Lazio region, far from mass tourism circuits. Visitors will find a town decked out for the occasion, festive lights along the center's streets, food stalls with typical products from the Alban Hills, and a community that welcomes visitors with natural warmth. It is the ideal opportunity to also discover the archaeological heritage of Lanuvio, the ancient Roman Lanuvium famous for the Sanctuary of Juno Sospita.