Patronal Feast in honor of Saint Blaise and Saint Hyacintha

A festival that is the soul of Vignanello

The Patronal Feast in honor of Saint Blaise and Saint Hyacintha is the beating heart of summer in Vignanello, a village in the province of Viterbo famous for its Castello Ruspoli and its Renaissance gardens. For five days, between late July and early August, this Tuscia town transforms: the streets of the historic center fill with stalls, the aromas of street food, live music, and thousands of visitors from across the Lazio region.

The patron saints: Saint Blaise and Saint Hyacintha Marescotti

The festival unites two figures dear to the community. Saint Blaise, a 4th-century bishop and martyr, is venerated as the protector against throat ailments. Saint Hyacintha Marescotti, born in Vignanello in 1585 and canonized in 1807, dedicated her life to helping the poor and sick: she is the town's own saint, representing the most intimate bond between the village and its religious history.

The 'Classe' Committee: a unique tradition

What makes this festival special is its organizational model: every year, the festivities are entrusted to a local conscription class, which spends months fundraising and preparing the program. The classes rotate year after year with a single goal: to organize the Feast. The 2026 edition is managed by the 1986 Class Festival Committee, taking the baton from the 1984 Class, which led the 2025 edition.

The procession and the Bengalata

The most intense moment is the solemn evening procession, when the statues of the patron saints travel through the village streets accompanied by the town band and the gathered community. Upon their return, all eyes turn toward Castello Ruspoli: from its battlements, the 'Bengalata' is ignited—a stunning cascade of fire and light that illuminates the fortress and has become the very symbol of the festival, often accompanied by a pyromusical show.

Concerts and shows for everyone

Alongside the religious dimension, the festival offers free concerts in the square every evening. Over the years, it has hosted major Italian music acts like Zero Assoluto, Formula 3, and Cristiano Malgioglio, alongside tribute bands, DJ sets, 90s-themed nights, comedy shows, and the traditional raffle with cash prizes. There is also entertainment for children, fairground rides, sports exhibitions, and book presentations: a program designed for all generations.

A village to discover

Participating in the festival is also an opportunity to discover Vignanello, its historic center, and Castello Ruspoli with its famous Italian-style gardens, among the best-preserved in Europe. The municipality of Vignanello, about 18 km from Viterbo, is nestled in the countryside of the Cimini Hills, a land of wine and festivals: the patronal feast is its most authentic expression, where faith, conviviality, and local pride blend into an atmosphere that belongs to the best traditions of Lazio.