Patronal Feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian

A centuries-old devotion in the heart of the Alto Vastese

Every year, in late September, the small village of Lentella, in the province of Chieti (Abruzzo), gathers around its patron saints, the Holy Doctors Cosmas and Damian, for one of the most heartfelt patronal feasts in the Vastese hinterland. The village, of Norman origin, is perched on a rocky spur near the confluence of the Trigno and Treste rivers and retains a medieval historic center.

The cult of the two physician saints, protectors of doctors and the sick, began in Lentella in 1790. Since then, the community has celebrated them with solemn masses, prayers, and processions. The devotion is so deeply rooted that the locals honor Saints Cosmas and Damian on several occasions throughout the year, but the main celebration remains September 27th, the anniversary of their passing.

The parade of conche and decorated tractors

The most iconic and anticipated moment is the parade of the conche: women in traditional Abruzzese costumes walk through the streets balancing copper water vessels (conche) on their heads, accompanied by agricultural tractors decorated with flowers, fruits, and seasonal produce. This procession is deeply rooted in the farming culture: the fruits of the earth are offered to the community as a contribution to the festival's expenses, as a sign of gratitude and belonging. In the past, the devotion was such that faithful from neighboring towns would reach Lentella at night on mules and donkeys, camping in the surrounding countryside so as not to miss the event.

Faith, folklore, and conviviality

Alongside the religious rites—the solemn mass and the procession through the village streets, accompanied by marching bands—the festival offers popular attractions: the itinerant crochet flower display (infiorata) set up in Piazza Garibaldi, the "Fashion under the Stars" show, the traditional raffle, popular games in the square, and evening concerts. At midnight, a fireworks display concludes the main day on September 27th.

Traditional flavors

The festival is also an opportunity to taste local specialties: the renowned porchetta served at banquets and the typical celli ripieni, pastries prepared especially for the occasion. It is a blend of faith, folklore, and flavors that brings emigrants and visitors back to Lentella every year, renewing the deep bond between the village, its people, and their patron saints.