Patronal Feast of Saints John the Baptist, James and Roch

The feast of the three patron saints

The Patronal Feast of Saints John the Baptist, James and Roch is the most significant event in Alberona, a town of just over eight hundred residents perched 732 meters high on the slopes of Monte Stillo, in the heart of the Monti Dauni, in the province of Foggia, Puglia. Saint John the Baptist, the town's patron, is celebrated alongside Saint James, protector of pilgrims, and Saint Roch, invoked against epidemics: three figures deeply rooted in the devotion of the local community, which gathers around the statues of its protectors in late August.

One of Italy's most beautiful villages

Nicknamed the "village of water" for the numerous springs flowing through its territory, Alberona is part of the I Borghi più Belli d'Italia (Most Beautiful Villages of Italy) network and has been awarded the Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club. Its historic center, characterized by narrow alleys and stone houses, is dominated by the Torre del Priore, an ancient stronghold of the Knights Templar and later the residence of the Grand Prior of the Knights of Malta. During the patronal feast, the village streets and the church dedicated to Saint Roch provide a stunning backdrop for one of the most evocative celebrations in the Daunian Sub-Apennines.

A program blending the sacred and the secular

The festival seamlessly blends religious devotion with secular festivities. The days begin with solemn masses in honor of the three saints and culminate in processions that carry the statues of the patrons through the streets, accompanied by liturgical chants and the participation of the entire community. Alongside the devotional aspect, there is a rich secular program:

• Brass band concerts and folk music performances;
• Evening fireworks display over the village hills;
• Illumination of artistic lights throughout the historic center;
• Food stalls featuring traditional Daunian dishes and local products;
• Local craft markets and family entertainment.

Tradition, gastronomy, and community

For Alberona, the patronal feast is far more than a religious event: it is a time for emigrants to return to their hometown and for families to reunite. The celebration is enriched by the flavors of the Monti Dauni cuisine, local produce, and the intimate atmosphere of one of the most authentic villages in inland Puglia. Visitors to Alberona during the festival will experience a rare blend of spirituality, popular tradition, and the quiet beauty of an ancient mountain village.

The 2026 edition

Dates and the detailed program for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced by the organizers. Traditionally, the festival takes place in the final days of August, with the celebrations for Saint John the Baptist concentrated between the 29th and 30th. The updated calendar will be released by the Municipality of Alberona and the parish in the weeks leading up to the event.