Patronal Feast of Saint George the Martyr

The patron saint of Arcinazzo Romano

The Patronal Feast of Saint George the Martyr is the most cherished event in Arcinazzo Romano, a mountain village nestled at an altitude of 831 meters in the Province of Rome, in the heart of the Apennine Lazio region. The town, historically known as Ponza, has maintained a deep devotion for centuries to Saint George, whom tradition credits with saving the community from a cholera epidemic. The cult of the patron saint is documented as far back as the 12th century, bearing witness to an ancient bond between the village and its protector.

Two annual appointments

The festival is celebrated in two distinct phases. The first is the liturgical commemoration on April 23rd, featuring a solemn mass in the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta, where the relics are kept, along with the exposition of various saints' relics. The second is the secular festival, traditionally moved to the second-to-last Sunday of August to welcome back emigrants and vacationers returning to the village during the summer.

The procession and traditions

The highlight of the festivities is the procession, during which the statue depicting Saint George on horseback in the act of slaying the dragon, kept in the church dedicated to the saint, is carried on shoulders. Beside the statue, a precious silver icon is paraded, which, according to custom, is entrusted to a local family for the entire year. The procession is accompanied by the local brass band, while the Confraternity of Saint George coordinates the celebrations. The procession remains a moment of collective prayer: Saint George is invoked by the community as a protector against drought and natural disasters that threaten the harvests.

The secular festival in the square

During the summer days, the village comes alive in Piazza Santa Lucia, which becomes the hub of the secular festivities: inflatables and games for children, food stalls featuring local cuisine, concerts, musical performances, and, as a grand finale, a fireworks display that illuminates the village sky. It is a blend of the sacred and the profane that renews the identity of this small mountain community in Lazio every year.

A village to discover

Located between the Simbruini Mountains and just a few kilometers from the Altipiani di Arcinazzo, the municipality of Arcinazzo Romano offers visitors a fascinating natural environment, ideal for combining participation in the festival with a walk through woods, trails, and Apennine landscapes. The Saint George the Martyr Festival is the perfect opportunity to get to know the traditions and hospitality of this authentic corner of Lazio.