Saint Anthony Abbot Feast and Scottone Festival

A tradition spanning three centuries

The Feast of Saint Anthony Abbot in Rocca Priora, located in the Metropolitan City of Rome, is one of the longest-running traditions in Lazio. Its first edition dates back to the mid-19th century, and the local community has kept it alive ever since, reaching its 175th edition in 2026. The Egyptian hermit saint, celebrated on the liturgical calendar on January 17th, is venerated here primarily as the protector of domestic and working animals, harvests, and fire—a devotion rooted in the agricultural and pastoral economy of the Castelli Romani.

The triduum and the liturgical feast

The event begins with several days of preparation at the Parish of S. Maria Assunta in Cielo, overlooking Piazza Umberto I. Eucharistic adoration and Holy Mass are held in the afternoon, while on the saint's feast day, a solemn celebration gathers the Confraternity of Saint Anthony Abbot, local families, and faithful from neighboring towns. It is a moment of reflection that precedes the colorful Sunday festivities.

Allegorical floats and the blessing of the animals

The heart of the festival is the parade of allegorical floats. Built over the preceding months by groups of families, local districts, and associations, the floats are decorated according to an ancient code: laurel branches, oranges, bread, and sausages woven into the structures, often accompanied by live animals. The gathering takes place on Viale degli Olmi, then the procession travels along Via Roma, Via Lazio, and Via Monsignor Giacci until reaching Piazza Umberto I, where the parish priest performs the blessing of the animals and distributes blessed bread. The morning concludes at Piazzale Zanardelli with the awards ceremony for the most beautiful and creative floats; in 2025, the first prize went to "Rocca Priora Medievale".

The Scottone Festival

The religious dimension is paired with a gastronomic one through the Scottone Festival, which gives the day its unmistakable flavor. Scottone is the ricotta obtained by heating the whey just separated from the curd; it is served steaming hot in traditional terracotta bowls, accompanied by homemade bread. The stalls on Via degli Olmi open early in the morning and remain busy throughout the day, while the Corbium Musical Band brings the village streets to life with its popular repertoire.

The highest village in the Castelli Romani

Rocca Priora is the highest municipality in the Castelli Romani, perched at over 750 meters on the eastern edge of the Alban Hills crater, offering views that reach the sea on clear days. The historic center, clustered around the square and the parish church, provides a natural backdrop for the parade: steep alleys, panoramic viewpoints, and the crisp January cold that makes the warm ricotta even more welcome. The festival is also an opportunity to discover a territory known for porcini mushrooms, Castelli wines, and other local calendar events, from the Feast of Our Lady of the Snows in summer to the Porcini Mushroom Festival in September.

An event for the whole family

In recent editions, the program has been enriched with entertainment designed for children and visitors: flag-waver performances, street artists, games, and activities along Viale degli Olmi. Admission is free, and participation is open to all, with costs only for tastings at the stalls. In case of bad weather, the final day may be postponed to the following Sunday: it is always advisable to check the notices from the Confraternity and the Municipality of Rocca Priora before traveling.