Patronal Feast of San Rocco and Santa Lucia

The Patronal Feast of Cepagatti

In the heart of the Abruzzo summer, the town of Cepagatti, in the province of Pescara, pays tribute to its patron saints San Rocco and Santa Lucia with one of the most heartfelt and popular festivals in the region. For five days in mid-August, the town transforms into a vibrant open-air stage where religious rites, ancient farming customs, and musical performances intertwine, drawing both locals and returning emigrants alike.

The 'Svegliarino' and the Float Parade

The most iconic moment of the festival takes place on the morning of August 16th, the feast day of San Rocco. At the first light of dawn, around 5:30 AM, the svegliarino comes to life: pipers and drummers roam the town streets to rouse the residents early and invite them to join the procession. After the gathering of musicians and citizens for traditional exchanges of greetings, the traditional float parade winds through the streets at 9:00 AM. These floats, pulled by tractors and decorated by local districts, showcase scenes of agricultural life and bygone days. The floats are festooned with the famous San Rocco taralli, traditional pastries sold to support parish activities.

Faith and Community

Beyond the folkloric aspects, the festival maintains a strong religious dimension, marked by Holy Masses, the Holy Rosary, and solemn processions carrying the sacred images of the patron saints through the town center. The devotion to San Rocco, traditionally invoked as a protector against epidemics, and to Santa Lucia is deeply rooted in the history and identity of the Cepagatti community.

Music and Entertainment

The evenings of the Patronal Feast bring Piazza Robert Schuman and the town center to life with a rich entertainment lineup: children's activities, themed nights, concerts by popular artists, and performances by prestigious wind bands from the Abruzzo and Puglia traditions, offering lyrical-symphonic repertoires. Fireworks displays also mark the end of the main event days.

An Appointment in the Heart of Abruzzo

Located just a few kilometers from Pescara and the Adriatic coast, Cepagatti offers visitors the chance to experience an authentic Abruzzese village festival, where the rural roots of the territory blend with the conviviality and hospitality typical of this land. The Patronal Feast of San Rocco and Santa Lucia is an unmissable experience for those looking to discover the folk traditions of the Pescara hinterland.