Patronal Feast of Saint Antoninus the Martyr (with the Rioni Festival)

A festival that defines the town's identity

In Monte Porzio Catone, nestled in the heart of the Castelli Romani, the Patronal Feast of Saint Antoninus the Martyr is more than just a date on the calendar: it is the moment the village truly comes together. The martyr, whose relics are kept in the town, is celebrated on September 2nd, but the festivities extend well beyond that date, beginning with a novena in late August and concluding in mid-September. For two weeks, the municipality of Monte Porzio Catone, in the province of Rome, Lazio, hosts a program that weaves together faith, music, sport, art, and gastronomy.

The religious aspect: novena, procession, and relics

Everything begins with the Novena of Saint Antoninus, celebrated every evening at 6:30 PM in the Cathedral. On September 1st, the eve of the saint's day, the procession with the blessing of the water takes place—an ancient rite deeply felt by the local population. On the day of the feast, September 2nd, the first mass is held at dawn, and throughout the day, the solemn procession winds through the historic center, carrying the relics and the statue of the martyr, accompanied by the local brass band and a polyphonic choir. It is the most intense moment: bells ring out, balconies are decorated, and the narrow streets of the village fill with people.

Piazza Borghese, the heart of the entertainment

In the evening, the scene shifts to Piazza Borghese, the town's natural living room, which hosts live concerts, variety shows, dance evenings, and fashion shows. Over the years, the stage has featured cover bands, funk and soul ensembles, rock groups, and dance orchestras, with a program designed to appeal to all generations. The grand finale of the patronal day is the fireworks display, launched around midnight from Piazzale Martiri d'Ungheria: with the Castelli Romani as a backdrop and Rome on the horizon, it is one of the most photographed moments of the year.

The Rioni Festival

Among the most beloved events in the program is the Rioni Festival, organized by the town's local businesses. The streets and alleys of the historic center become a sprawling culinary trail: each district (rione) and business offers local dishes, tastings, and wines, allowing visitors to walk from stop to stop with a glass in hand. It is the formula that best captures the spirit of the festival, combining friendly local rivalry, home-cooked food, and the joy of being out in the streets until late.

Dinners, sports, and culture

The program expands to include other traditional highlights: the Rioni Dinner and the Confraternity of Saint Antoninus dinner, photo exhibitions and art displays, social and inclusion initiatives at Parco Gramsci, children's parties, and the Sports Festival. There is also the historic Giro del Tuscolo walk, which leads participants toward the Tusculum archaeological area, and recent editions have included moments dedicated to the food and wine of the Castelli Romani, featuring local producers and wineries.

Why visit

Monte Porzio Catone is just a few kilometers from Frascati and less than an hour from the center of Rome, making the Saint Antoninus festival one of the easiest ways to experience an authentic Lazio patronal feast without any tourist filters. Visitors will find a town where everything is still organized by volunteers, the Confraternity, and the Pro Loco, and where most events are free to attend. We recommend staying an extra day to visit the Frascati wineries and the ruins of Tusculum.