Patronal Feast of San Felice Martire

The patronal feast of Pescocostanzo

In the village of Pescocostanzo, one of Italy's most beautiful towns nestled on the Cinquemiglia Plateau in the province of L'Aquila, the Patronal Feast of San Felice Martire is the most anticipated religious and civil event of the summer. Every year in early August, the community gathers in prayer and celebration to honor the patron saint, who has protected the town for over three centuries.

A devotion born from the plague

The cult of San Felice Martire has its roots in the 17th century. After the terrible plague epidemic of 1656, which hit the populations of central-southern Italy hard, the community of Pescocostanzo obtained the transfer of the saint's relics from Rome in 1667. San Felice was chosen as patron for his miraculous intercession against the contagion, and his veneration has continued unbroken, passed down from generation to generation.

The celebration highlights

The festival traditionally takes place on August 7th and 8th, alternating liturgical solemnity with popular warmth. Key moments include:

• The display of the saint's relics, a moment of reflection for the faithful;
• The solemn mass celebrated in the stunning Basilica of Santa Maria del Colle, a jewel of Renaissance and Baroque art overlooking the village;
• The procession with the statue of San Felice Martire along the elegant cobbled streets of the historic center, accompanied by confraternities and the local band;
• Civil celebrations in Piazza Umberto I, featuring music, food stalls, and local specialties.

The village and its identity

The festival is also an opportunity to discover Pescocostanzo, famous for its Renaissance and Baroque architecture, goldsmithing, and bobbin lace making. In the municipality of Pescocostanzo, in Abruzzo, the event intertwines faith, historical memory, and artisanal traditions, offering visitors an authentic portrait of the mountain identity of the Alto Sangro region.

A community-driven event

More than just a religious recurrence, the Feast of San Felice Martire represents a moment of cohesion for the entire Pescocostanzo community, which gathers every year to renew a bond of devotion spanning over three centuries. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced: it is recommended to check the program on the Municipality of Pescocostanzo's channels closer to the event.