Patronal Feast of Saint Sisto I

The Patronal Feast of Alatri

Every spring, the town of Alatri, a historic gem of the Ciociaria region in the province of Frosinone, Lazio, gathers to honor its patron saint with the Patronal Feast of Saint Sisto I. It is the most cherished event of the year for the local community: a long period of celebrations that bridges the gap between religious observance and popular festivities, drawing believers, residents, and visitors to the charming historic center, dominated by the Acropolis and its imposing megalithic walls.

Saint Sisto I and the tradition of the white mule

Saint Sisto I, one of the early popes in Church history, is the patron saint of Alatri and co-patron of the Diocese of Anagni-Alatri. His relics have been kept in the city for centuries and represent the spiritual core of the festival. In 2026, a evocative ancient tradition is revived: the Saint's relic is transported by a white mule, a gesture that commemorates the events of 1132 and brings nearly nine hundred years of history and popular devotion back to life. The bond between the city and its patron is also expressed through the moving ritual of the Kissing of the Foot, a traditional moment of veneration for the relic.

The 2026 religious program

Celebrations take place from April 6 to 20, 2026, with the main day being Wednesday, April 8. Key solemn moments include:

• April 6: Holy Mass and exposition of the Patron Saint's statue.
• April 7: First Vespers of Saint Sisto and Penitential Procession.
• April 8 (Patron Saint's Day): Holy Masses from the early morning, exposition of the statue on the church steps, solemn Pontifical Mass, and the Solemn Procession with the statue of Saint Sisto through the city streets.
• April 19: The traditional Kissing of the Foot, with Eucharistic celebrations.
• April 20: Holy Mass for deceased confreres, repositioning of the statue, and lottery drawing.

The civil program and concerts

Alongside religious services, the festival offers a rich civil program in Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, the beating heart of the musical events. On the evening of April 8 at 9:00 PM, Marco Ligabue takes the stage with his "Festa di Piazza – Live Tour" for an evening of free live music. On April 18, also at 9:00 PM, it is the turn of Mirko Casadei and the POPular Folk Orchestra, featuring a repertoire that draws on the great Italian musical tradition with a contemporary twist. The day of April 8 concludes with a pyrotechnic and musical show that illuminates the square.

An event for the whole community

The Feast of Saint Sisto is much more than a religious anniversary: it is a moment of gathering that spans all generations. The streets of Alatri's historic center come alive with people, as faith, music, and conviviality intertwine in one of the strongest identity-defining traditions of lower Lazio. For those visiting Ciociaria, it is the ideal opportunity to discover a city rich in history and authentic popular spirit.