Patronal Feast of Saint Eustace

The Feast of the Patron Saint of Scanno

In the heart of the Abruzzo mountains, nestled in the upper Sagittario Valley, the village of Scanno (province of L'Aquila) dedicates one of its most significant annual celebrations to its patron saint, Saint Eustace. The event traditionally falls on September 20th and involves the entire community, drawing back former residents and visitors alike to one of Italy's most beautiful villages.

The Miracle of the Stag and the Legend of the Saint

Devotion is rooted in the legend of Saint Eustace: according to tradition, the Roman consul Placidus saw the crucified Christ appear between the antlers of a stag while out hunting. Upon converting, he took the name Eustace. For this reason, the saint—depicted with a stag bearing luminous antlers—is considered the protector of hunters and shepherds, figures central to the history of a village whose wealth was built on livestock farming and transhumance.

The Statue and Three Centuries of History

Scanno has venerated Saint Eustace as its patron since the 18th century. The precious wooden statue was carved by Giovanni Leonardo Manzoli of Brittoli (in the province of Pescara) and cost fifty gold ducats. The bearers spent over a week walking to transport it on their shoulders from Brittoli to Scanno, even waiving their agreed payment for the honor of carrying it in the first historic procession. It is this same statue that is still carried on the shoulders of the faithful through the village streets today.

Rites and Traditions

• The Ringing of the Bells: In the days leading up to the festival, all the churches in Scanno ring their bells in unison—an ancient and evocative announcement of the upcoming celebrations.
• The Procession: The heart of the day, featuring the statue of Saint Eustace carried by the faithful through the medieval alleys of the historic center, accompanied by a brass band and the community's prayers.
• The Solemn Mass: The Eucharistic celebration in honor of the patron saint, often presided over by clergy from the Diocese of Sulmona-Valva at the church dedicated to the saint.
• Music and Fireworks: In the evening, the festival comes alive with musical performances and a fireworks display that lights up the sky above the village.

A Link to Transhumance

The Feast of Saint Eustace is more than just a religious rite: it once marked the end of the shepherds' summer season and the beginning of the transhumance, the great migration of flocks toward the winter pastures of Puglia. Celebrating the patron saint during these days meant entrusting the shepherds, their flocks, and their families to the saint's protection as they set out on their journey. Today, the event still preserves this ancient memory, which is deeply woven into the identity of Scanno and the Abruzzo hinterland.