Patronal Feast of Saint Roch of Montpellier and Saint Michael the Archangel

The feast of the two patron saints of Curti

The Patronal Feast of Saint Roch of Montpellier and Saint Michael the Archangel is the most deeply felt religious and popular event in Curti, a small town in the province of Caserta, in the heart of Campania and the historic Terra di Lavoro. Every year, the community gathers around its two patron saints, celebrated together on the third Sunday of September.

Two saints, one devotion

Saint Michael the Archangel has been the titular saint of the Curti parish for centuries, while Saint Roch of Montpellier, traditionally invoked against epidemics, is deeply rooted in the popular piety of the Caserta area. Since the Jubilee of 2000, the two saints have been venerated together as patrons and protectors of the town, and their sacred statues are carried together in procession, a sign of a community identity that unites faith and collective memory.

The procession and celebrations

The program spans several days, from Saturday to the following days, with a rich calendar of liturgical celebrations. Among the characteristic moments is the Mass of the Bread of Saint Roch, linked to the blessing of bread distributed to the faithful according to an ancient devotional custom. The highlight is the solemn procession of the sacred statues of Saint Roch and Saint Michael the Archangel on Sunday afternoon, which winds through the main streets and squares of the town, accompanied by the faithful and a brass band.

The tradition of fireworks

Curti is known for its passion for pyrotechnics: the patronal feast is famous for its spectacular fireworks and the competition between established pyrotechnic companies, which challenge each other with volleys and light displays. During the procession and on the final evenings, the town sky lights up with colors, with displays offered by citizens along the streets and grand shows in the main squares, such as Piazza IV Novembre and Piazza della Repubblica. It is one of the most iconic aspects of the festival and attracts visitors from neighboring towns as well.

A community event

Alongside the religious dimension, the festival is an occasion for meeting and conviviality for the entire Curti community: illuminations decorating the streets, music, stalls, and the traditional cheerful atmosphere of Campanian patronal feasts. It is a free event open to all, which every September renews the bond between the town, its parish, and its roots.