Maria SS. Annunziata Feast

The Annunziata Feast in Città Sant'Angelo

In the Contrada Annunziata, just outside Città Sant'Angelo (Province of Pescara, Abruzzo), one of the most heartfelt local festivals in the region takes place every mid-June: the Feast of Maria SS. Annunziata. It is a community celebration, born and raised within the district, which blends religious devotion with social gathering over three days of events open to everyone with free admission.

The heart of devotion

The focal point of the festivities is the Church of Maria Santissima Annunziata, a rural brick building documented as early as 1706 following the earthquake that struck Abruzzo, though likely built in the late 16th century. Inside, it houses a striking sculptural group of the Annunciation, featuring the Virgin and Archangel Gabriel, set upon a white and red marble altar with Corinthian columns. The neo-Romanesque bell tower, built in 1929 in the style of the Atri school, dominates the district. After years of neglect, the church was reopened for worship in 2012 thanks to a restoration project championed by local citizens. The festival marks the days with holy masses, the display of the statue, and the solemn procession that winds through the district streets on Sunday, accompanied by the local community.

Music, flavors, and conviviality

Alongside the religious observances, the festival thrives on social interaction: every evening, food stalls open, offering typical Abruzzo dishes and products, while the stage hosts live orchestras with dance nights that bring the district to life until late at night. Traditional events are also a staple, including the briscola card tournament, evening DJ sets, and the classic lottery drawing that concludes the festivities.

One of Italy's most beautiful villages

The festival is part of the rich summer calendar of the Municipality of Città Sant'Angelo, a hilltop village overlooking the Adriatic Sea, awarded the Orange Flag by the Touring Club and recognized as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy (Borghi più belli d'Italia). For visitors, the Annunziata Feast is the ideal opportunity to discover the hospitality of the local districts and the authenticity of Abruzzo's folk traditions, far from the main tourist circuits.