Patronal Festivals of Casali d'Aschi (September)

A village festival in the heart of the Marsica region

In Casali d'Aschi, a small hamlet in the municipality of Gioia dei Marsi in the province of L'Aquila, the religious calendar features two major highlights throughout the year. Alongside the official patronal feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel on April 26th, there is a second autumn recurrence, celebrated in September in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows. This festival ideally closes the summer season and brings the community together before the arrival of winter on the Fucino plateau.

A village reborn after the 1915 earthquake

Casali d'Aschi stands at an altitude of about 720 meters, on the south-eastern edge of the Fucino Plain, in the historic Marsica region. The modern village was born from the survivors of the disastrous 1915 Marsica earthquake, which leveled the ancient town of Aschi Alto: many survivors moved down to the valley and settled in the 'casali' (farmhouses) that were previously simple rural winter dwellings. The parish church of Our Lady of Good Counsel, rebuilt after the earthquake, became a parish in 1949. This story of rebirth can still be felt today in the community celebrations, which are deeply tied to the village's identity.

The September celebrations

The heart of the autumn festival is the devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows, accompanied by the traditional pilgrimage to the Cross. The days in late September are divided into several moments: the Feast of the Cross, the actual patronal celebrations, and the Alpini Mass held at the nearby Borgo di Sperone. These are simple and heartfelt rites, consisting of processions, solemn masses, and that sense of belonging that characterizes the festivals of small Marsican villages.

Traditions and customs

The festivals of Casali d'Aschi are rooted in a long history of devotion: as early as the 18th century, patronal celebrations were accompanied by singing through the village streets to the sound of the guitar. Even today, the festival is an opportunity for locals and guests to meet, amidst traditional Abruzzese cuisine and moments of conviviality. A visit to Casali d'Aschi during this period allows you to discover an authentic corner of the province of L'Aquila, far from mass tourism circuits.

The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced: the festival is usually held in September.