Patronal Feast of Saints John and Marcian

A week of celebration in the heart of Tuscia

The Patronal Feast of Saints John and Marcian is the most cherished event of the year for Civita Castellana, a town in the province of Viterbo overlooking the Treja river gorges in the northern part of Lazio. Every September, for about a week, the historic center and the central Piazza Matteotti transform into a grand stage for a community celebration that unites the people of Civita around their two patron saints.

The festival is more than just a religious observance; it is a true reflection of the town's identity. Alongside liturgical celebrations, the program features nationally acclaimed concerts, sporting events, exhibitions dedicated to ceramics, and cultural initiatives that engage families, young people, and visitors from across the Tuscia region.

Faith and tradition

The highlight of the festivities is the day of the patron saints, featuring solemn masses in the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore—a Romanesque jewel adorned with a Cosmatesque portico—and the evocative procession that winds through the historic streets, accompanied by the traditional light display in Piazza Matteotti. This is the spiritual heart of the festival, renewing the centuries-old bond between the city and its saints, John and Marcian.

The fair and local ceramics

Among the most traditional events is the historic livestock and goods fair, a legacy of the area's ancient agricultural and commercial roots, which brings the colors and scents of old-time markets back to the city for a day. There is also a space dedicated to civitonica ceramics, the art that has made Civita Castellana famous throughout Italy: the production of porcelain and sanitary ware remains one of the town's primary economic activities today.

Music, shows, and sports

Evenings are enlivened by open-air concerts that have brought major names in Italian music to Civita Castellana over the years, alongside local bands, dance nights, and entertainment for all ages. The festival also includes sporting events such as memorials dedicated to figures dear to the community, book presentations, and cultural initiatives. The grand finale is marked by a traditional fireworks display, illuminating the sky above the amphitheater of the ancient Falerii Veteres.

With its taverns open every evening, festive lights, and a bustling historic center, the Patronal Feast of Saints John and Marcian remains the best opportunity to discover Civita Castellana and experience the authentic atmosphere of a Tuscia town.