Our Lady of the Rosary Festival

A devotion spanning over four centuries

The Our Lady of the Rosary Festival is one of the most cherished events in the religious calendar of Genazzano, a village in the Prenestini Mountains in the province of Rome, Lazio. The celebration is traditionally held on the first Sunday of October, coinciding with the liturgical memorial of the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary, and involves the entire community in a blend of faith, folk tradition, and village life.

The origins: the 1575 Confraternity

The festival stems from the work of the Confraternity of Our Lady of the Rosary, established in Genazzano in 1575 at the initiative of Friar Girolamo Mercury Romano of the Dominican Order. The founding document, dated June 27, 1575, named Giuliano Arcangelo as the first Prior. Since then, the confraternity has never ceased its work: it still brings together dozens of confreres and sisters today, led by a Prior, and maintains its stated purpose of «praying, seeking to imitate, and loving the Madonna».

The Church of San Giovanni and the fresco

The focal point of the devotion is the Church of San Giovanni, in the historic center of Genazzano, which preserves a beautiful fresco depicting Our Lady of the Rosary. This is the starting and ending point of the most anticipated moment of the festivities. The church, open to the faithful and visitors during the festival days, becomes the hub for liturgical celebrations, community rosaries, and prayer vigils leading up to Sunday.

The procession

The highlight of the festival is the solemn procession that winds through the village streets with the statue of Our Lady of the Rosary carried on shoulders. The parade, led by confreres and sisters wearing the confraternity's traditional robes and insignia, travels through the historic center amidst decorated houses, illuminated windows, and faithful joining along the way. It is a ritual that renews a strong sense of identity every year, passed down from generation to generation.

The setting: Genazzano, village of the Good Counsel

Genazzano is known throughout Italy as the sanctuary of the Madonna of Good Counsel, a famous pilgrimage destination especially for the September 8th festival and the 'Venuta' on April 25th. Marian devotion is therefore a defining trait of the town's identity, and the Our Lady of the Rosary Festival fits into a particularly rich calendar that also includes the Palio di Brancaleone, the Infiorata in early July, and the feast of the patron saint, Saint Nicholas, in December.

What to expect

Those arriving in Genazzano during the festival will find a medieval village in its autumn attire: cobblestone alleys, the silhouette of the Colonna Castle dominating the valley, early chestnuts, and the flavors of the Prenestini Mountains. Surrounding the religious rites is the classic atmosphere of a Lazio village festival, with food stalls, traditional sweets, musical performances, and intergenerational gatherings in the square. It is a precious opportunity to discover an authentic town less than an hour from Rome, far from the most beaten tourist paths.

Information and updates

The detailed program of the festivities is released every year close to the first Sunday of October by the Pro Loco of Genazzano and the Municipality of Genazzano, which publish the times of the celebrations, the procession route, and side events. Those wishing to participate can contact the Pro Loco directly for exact dates and any additional events.