Patronal Feast of SS. Giovanni e Paolo, Sant'Isidoro and Santa Lucia

The Patronal Feast of Cerchio

In the heart of the Marsica region, at the foot of Mount Sirente and on the edge of the Fucino plain, the municipality of Cerchio (province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo) renews its Patronal Feast every year during the last week of June. The village, home to just over 1,500 residents and a member of the 'Borghi Autentici d'Italia' association, gathers around its patron saints: SS. Giovanni e Paolo, the titular patrons celebrated on the last Sunday of June, Sant'Isidoro, the protector of farmers, and Santa Lucia.

Faith and Rural Tradition

The festival retains a strong religious and rural character, a testament to the agricultural civilization that has shaped the history of the Fucino area. Each day is marked by Eucharistic celebrations and processions with the saints' effigies through the village streets. The most characteristic moment is dedicated to Sant'Isidoro: on June 24th, the community honors its agricultural roots with the blessing of the fields and agricultural machinery, an ancient rite that unites farmers and their families in a collective prayer for a bountiful harvest.

A Program for All Ages

Alongside the sacred dimension, the Patronal Feast of Cerchio offers a rich calendar of secular events designed to engage every generation. Over the years, the program has included:

• Live music in the square, featuring tribute bands, emerging young artists, and major concerts;
• Traditional card tournaments (briscola, burraco) and bocce competitions;
• The spectacular tractor gymkhana, which starts from Piazza San Bartolomeo and continues to the municipal stadium, a playful tribute to the agricultural world;
• Entertainment and shows for children and families;
• Moments of solidarity, such as the charity raffle.

The Village of Cerchio

Visitors can also discover the village's heritage, starting with the Church of San Bartolomeo, a building of medieval origin (12th-13th century) noted as the only Marsican religious monument mentioned in the 1300 Jubilee bull of Pope Boniface VIII. The territory of Cerchio is part of the Sirente-Velino Regional Natural Park, an ideal setting for those wishing to combine the festival with an excursion into the Abruzzo wilderness.

An Identity-Defining Event

The Patronal Feast represents the main event of the year for Cerchio: an occasion where the entire community, including those who have emigrated and return for the occasion, gathers to renew its identity. The organization is managed by the SS. Giovanni e Paolo Feast Committee, which involves the local youth conscripts, in collaboration with the Parish and the Municipality of Cerchio, with the stated spirit of uniting tradition and modernity.