Patronal Feast of Maria SS dell'Ospedale

The Patronal Feast of Luco dei Marsi

The Patronal Feast of Luco dei Marsi, located in the province of L'Aquila in the heart of the Abruzzo Marsica region, is the most cherished and well-attended event for the entire community. Dedicated to Maria Santissima dell'Ospedale and the town's patron saints, the celebrations take place every August, turning the historic center and town squares into a grand open-air stage where religious devotion meets popular festivities and entertainment.

Faith and Tradition

The spiritual core of the festival consists of solemn masses and processions that accompany the effigy of the Madonna dell'Ospedale through the town streets and into the Petogna district. These religious rites, held in the churches of San Giovanni Battista and Maria SS dell'Ospedale, attract worshippers, emigrants, and visitors alike, keeping alive a tradition passed down through generations and deeply rooted in the local identity.

The Guerra dei Lati

A distinctive and unmistakable element of the festival is the Guerra dei Lati (War of the Districts), a playful and traditional competition that pits the six districts into which the town is historically divided against one another. Teams face off in dozens of events and disciplines rooted in local farming culture: hay bale tossing, sack races, men's and women's tug-of-war, wheelbarrow racing, the 'conca' game, climbing the greasy pole, treasure hunts, card games, and many other tests of strength and skill. Now in its many editions, the Guerra dei Lati is experienced with great passion and a sense of belonging by the inhabitants, who cheer for their respective districts until the final awards ceremony.

Music and Entertainment

Alongside tradition, the Patronal Feast offers a rich lineup of nationally renowned concerts, brass band performances, local musical groups, DJ sets, and the traditional fireworks display that concludes the festivities, lighting up the Marsica sky. Starting in Piazza Umberto I, the town squares host free concerts and events every night, keeping thousands of people entertained until late at night.

An event for the entire Marsica region

Organized by the Patronal Feast Committee, with the involvement of local conscription classes and regional associations, the Patronal Feast of Luco dei Marsi is not just a religious celebration, but a gathering point for the entire community and the inland Abruzzo region—an opportunity to rediscover popular traditions, local gastronomy, and the spirit of togetherness that characterizes the towns of the Marsica.