Patronal Feast of Madonna delle Grazie, Madonna della Misericordia and San Rocco

The Patronal Feasts of Cerchio

Every year, between late August and early September, the village of Cerchio — a small town in the Marsica area, in the province of L'Aquila and the Abruzzo region — gathers for its patronal feasts. The celebrations are dedicated to three figures deeply cherished by the local community: the Madonna delle Grazie, the Madonna della Misericordia, and San Rocco. It is one of the most heartfelt events of the year, drawing back emigrants and locals living away who return home for the occasion.

Faith and Devotion

The religious heart of the feast is the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, built in the 16th century next to the ancient Augustinian convent and adjacent to the town's civic and sacred art museum. During the days of the feast, holy masses, preparatory triduums, and solemn processions take place, accompanying the statues of the saints along the streets of the historic center, with the participation of the faithful and local confraternities.

Secular Celebrations

Alongside the religious dimension, the organizing committee manages a secular program centered in Piazza Sandro Pertini, the hub of village life. The evenings come alive with musical performances, concerts, entertainment for all ages, and traditional fireworks. The event also features a lottery, a highly anticipated appointment for the community, and stalls offering the flavors of Abruzzese cuisine.

Cerchio, a Village in the Marsica

Nestled at an altitude of approximately 834 meters on the slopes of Mount Sirente, at the edge of the Fucino plain, Cerchio preserves a compact historic center dominated by the Church of San Bartolomeo and the Church of the Madonna delle Grazie. The village boasts an interesting civic museum, housed in an ancient monastery, which preserves artifacts of rural life, traditional crafts, and ethnographic testimonies of the Marsica territory. The patronal feasts are the ideal opportunity to discover this authentic corner of Abruzzo, its hospitality, and its local products.

A Blend of Sport and Tradition

In recent years, the celebrations have been joined by the "Curr Curr P' Circhy" Urban Trail, a running race that winds through the town and the surrounding landscape, becoming an additional attraction for residents and visitors alike.