Missionary Festival at the San Francesco Caracciolo Convent

A festival of faith and solidarity in the heart of Abruzzo

The Missionary Festival is a traditional event held at the San Francesco Caracciolo Convent in Rocca San Giovanni, one of the most picturesque villages on the Costa dei Trabocchi, in the province of Chieti. The event is part of the Estate Roccolana program, the summer calendar through which the municipality enlivens the town from June to September with religious, cultural, sporting, and musical events.

Two days of reflection and sharing

The Missionary Festival offers two days dedicated to spirituality and solidarity towards missions. It is a time when the community of Rocca San Giovanni gathers around the convent to experience celebrations, prayer, and opportunities for meeting in an atmosphere of simplicity and fraternity typical of Abruzzese village festivals. Alongside the religious dimension, there are convivial moments that make the event a great opportunity for residents and visitors to come together.

The San Francesco Caracciolo Convent

The convent that gives its name and location to the festival is a landmark for the religious life of the area. Nestled in the hilly landscape that slopes down toward the Adriatic Sea, it offers a setting of peace and spirituality, ideal for an event that weaves together faith, tradition, and a sense of community. The choice of this location reinforces the bond between the event and the village's identity.

Rocca San Giovanni and the Costa dei Trabocchi

Rocca San Giovanni is a small medieval village perched on a rocky spur at an altitude of about 155 meters, between the mouths of the Sangro River and the Feltrino stream. It is a member of the Borghi più belli d'Italia (Most Beautiful Villages in Italy) club and is famous for its trabocchi, the ancient wooden fishing machines that dot the coast. The heart of the town is Piazza degli Eroi, dominated by the Church of San Matteo Apostolo. Participating in the Missionary Festival also means discovering one of the most evocative stretches of the Abruzzo coast, featuring Blue Flag beaches and the famous Via Verde dei Trabocchi.

A summer event to experience

The Missionary Festival is an authentic opportunity to discover the spirituality and traditions of Rocca San Giovanni, far from the major tourist flows. The dates for the 2026 edition are set for the first days of July; the detailed program is released by the local community closer to the event.