Patronal Feast of Saints Cesidio and Rufino and the Madonna of Candelecchia
The patron saint festival in the heart of the Marsica region, blending faith, tradition, and major open-air concerts
About Patronal Feast of Trasacco
The Patronal Feast of Trasacco
The Patronal Feast of Saints Cesidio and Rufino and the Madonna of Candelecchia is the highlight of the summer in Trasacco, a village overlooking the former Fucino lake in the Marsica area, in the province of L'Aquila (Abruzzo). Each year, between late August and early September, the entire community gathers around its patron saints in a celebration that weaves together religious devotion, popular tradition, and grand performances, attracting thousands of visitors from neighboring towns.
Patron saints and devotion
Trasacco venerates the martyrs Saints Cesidio and Rufino as its patrons, figures deeply rooted in the identity of the Marsica community, alongside the Madonna of Candelecchia. The spiritual heart of the town is the Basilica of Saints Cesidio and Rufino, which houses the venerated wooden statue of Saint Cesidio: a masterpiece commissioned by Abbot Alessandro Iacobuzzi in 1425, which celebrated its 600th anniversary in 2025. The feast of Saint Cesidio falls on August 31st and serves as the liturgical centerpiece of the celebrations.
Faith and tradition in the square
During the festival days, the historic center of Trasacco comes alive with a rich calendar of events:
- Liturgical celebrations and solemn processions with the statues of Saints Cesidio and Rufino through the town streets;
- Concerts and musical performances in the squares, particularly in Piazza Matteotti, featuring nationally renowned artists;
- Food stalls serving traditional Marsica dishes, local sweets, and wines;
- Artisan markets, traditional games, and family entertainment;
- Fireworks display to conclude the festivities, illuminating the Trasacco sky.
A heritage to discover
The festival is also the perfect opportunity to explore the historical heritage of Trasacco, from the evocative Torre Febonio, often open to the public during the patronal festivities, to the narrow alleys of the historic center. Nestled in the Marsica landscape and just a short distance from the plateaus and villages of inland Abruzzo, the municipality of Trasacco offers visitors an authentic experience that combines spirituality, community, and folk culture.
Patronal Feast of Trasacco — edition 2026
2026 Patronal Feast in Trasacco
The 2026 Patronal Feast of Trasacco features Sal Da Vinci, winner of the 2026 Sanremo Festival, in concert in Piazza Matteotti on September 1st, 2026. The Neapolitan artist brings to the stage a repertoire blending historic tracks and recent hits for a final evening with free admission, organized by the 1976 Class Patronal Feast Committee.
The concert represents the highlight of the festivities in honor of Saints Cesidio and Rufino and the Madonna of Candelecchia, which, as per tradition, take place between late August and early September, featuring liturgical celebrations, solemn processions, and performances in the square. The full program of other events will be released by the Committee and the Municipality of Trasacco in the weeks leading up to the festival.
Programme Patronal Feast of Trasacco 2026
September 1st, 2026 – Piazza Matteotti: concert by Sal Da Vinci, winner of the 2026 Sanremo Festival (free admission). The preceding days, dedicated to Saints Cesidio and Rufino and the Madonna of Candelecchia, will include traditional religious celebrations, processions with the saints' statues, and performances in the square. The detailed program will be published by the 1976 Class Patronal Feast Committee and the Municipality of Trasacco.
Highlights Patronal Feast of Trasacco 2026
- Concert by Sal Da Vinci (Sanremo 2026 winner) on September 1st in Piazza Matteotti
- Solemn processions with the statues of Saints Cesidio and Rufino
- Liturgical celebrations in the Basilica of Saints Cesidio and Rufino
- Free admission to events in the square
Prices Patronal Feast of Trasacco 2026
Practical information — Patronal Feast of Trasacco
Getting there
Trasacco is located in the Marsica region, in the province of L'Aquila. By car: A25 Rome-Pescara motorway, take the Avezzano or Celano-Aielli exit, then follow provincial roads towards Fucino. By train: Avezzano station (Rome-Pescara line), then local bus connections to Trasacco.
Where and when
The main events take place in Piazza Matteotti and the historic center, between late August and early September. Religious celebrations are held in the Basilica of Saints Cesidio and Rufino.
Admission
Concerts and events in the square are generally free of charge. We recommend checking the updated program on the official channels of the Municipality of Trasacco and the Patronal Feast Committee.
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Where does it take place — Patronal Feast of Trasacco
Piazza Matteotti