Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Festival - La Storta

A patronal festival in the heart of La Storta

The Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Festival is the patronal feast of La Storta, a district in the 15th Municipality of Rome, Lazio, located along the historic Via Cassia. The heart of the event is the Church of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary on Via del Cenacolo, which has served as the Cathedral of the Suburbicarian Diocese of Porto-Santa Rufina since 1986—a detail that gives the festival a significance reaching well beyond the district, involving the entire diocesan territory northwest of the capital.

From 2017 to today: a young but deeply rooted tradition

The first edition was held from June 23 to 25, 2017, initiated by the parish Festivities Committee with a simple goal: to provide the community with a time for rest, leisure, and gathering in a Christian spirit. Since then, the festival has taken place every year—with the exception of the interruption due to the health emergency—becoming the most anticipated event of the neighborhood's summer. June 2026 marked the tenth edition, while the ninth, in 2025, had already recorded participation exceeding all expectations.

The dual nature of the festival: spirituality and community

What makes this event unique is the blend of two dimensions that never exclude each other here. On one hand, the solemnity of the Sacred Hearts, with well-attended Holy Masses, moments of prayer, and devotion to the Cathedral's Patrons. On the other, a true neighborhood festival that occupies the square and parish grounds for three days, transforming them into a meeting place for families, young people, and residents from across the Cassia area.

What to expect at the festival

• Food stalls run by parish volunteers, serving Roman and Lazio cuisine during the festival evenings;
• Shows, music, and dancing, with a leading role reserved for the singing and dancing of children and teenagers from the oratory and catechism classes;
• Cake competition, one of the most beloved attractions, calling upon the district's home bakers;
• Vintage car show, displayed in the square to the delight of both adults and children;
• Play area set up on the parish football field, dedicated to the little ones;
• Raffle draw and, to conclude, the firework display on the final evening.

A village atmosphere at the gates of the capital

Visitors arriving in La Storta during the festival discover a side of Rome that is authentic and far from the tourist trails. Here, just a few kilometers from the Grande Raccordo Anulare and a stone's throw from the Veio Park, neighborhood life retains a village pace: people know each other, meet in the square, and on June evenings, the Cathedral square fills completely. Families dine at outdoor tables, children run between the stalls, and the elderly attend the celebrations: it is a portrait of a community that recognizes itself.

The context: La Storta and the Ignatian memory

The name of the place is linked to a famous episode in Italian religious history: it was right here in La Storta, in November 1537, that Saint Ignatius of Loyola had the vision that prompted him to continue toward Rome and found the Society of Jesus. The small chapel commemorating the event is located a short distance from the Cathedral and is a destination for those participating in the festival who wish to combine their day with a moment of reflection.

When to go

The event traditionally falls in the month of June, near the liturgical solemnity of the Sacred Hearts, and spans three days from Friday to Sunday. Admission is free: you only pay for what you consume at the stalls and for raffle tickets, the proceeds of which support the activities of the parish and the oratory.