Patronal Feast of Sant'Emidio, Sant'Antonio and San Rocco

The Patronal Feast of Fara San Martino

In the heart of summer, the village of Fara San Martino, in the province of Chieti, pays homage to its three patron saints with a series of celebrations that have marked the life of the community for generations. The Patronal Feast of Sant'Emidio, Sant'Antonio and San Rocco traditionally takes place from August 23rd to 25th, blending religious observance with festive, popular spirit, drawing in locals, returning emigrants, and visitors alike.

Three Saints, Three Days

Each of the three days is dedicated to one of the patrons: Sant'Emidio, traditionally invoked as a protector against earthquakes, Sant'Antonio, and San Rocco. The religious program includes Holy Masses, processions through the historic center with the statues of the saints, blessings, and moments of communal prayer, organized by the local parish. The Abruzzo folk devotion is reflected in the decoration of balconies and streets and the choral participation of the entire town.

Music and Entertainment in Piazza Municipio

Alongside the sacred rites, the evenings ignite with concerts and shows in Piazza Municipio. Over the years, Fara San Martino has hosted renowned names of the Italian music scene with free-entry performances, turning the patronal feast into an event followed well beyond the municipal borders. The three days conclude with a highly anticipated fireworks display, one of the most beloved moments for the local population.

A Village Between the Gorges and the Majella

The setting is one of the most evocative villages in Abruzzo: Fara San Martino rises at the entrance to the spectacular Gole di San Martino, at the gates of the Majella National Park, along the Verde river. The town is world-famous for its pasta tradition, born thanks to the river's pure waters, and preserves the historic core of Terravecchia as well as the remains of the abbey of San Martino in Valle. Those arriving for the feast can combine participation in the patronal rites with the discovery of a territory rich in nature, history, and flavors.

A Living Tradition

The Patronal Feast remains one of the strongest identity-defining moments for the community of Fara San Martino: an occasion where faith becomes a meeting point, the square fills up again, and the bond between generations is renewed in the name of the three patron saints, in the heart of the Abruzzo region.