Saint Anthony Abbot Festival

A rural tradition in the heart of the Castelli Romani

The Saint Anthony Abbot Festival is one of the most cherished events in the winter calendar of Ariccia, a town in the Castelli Romani area, in the province of Rome, Lazio. Linked to the liturgical feast of January 17th, the festival celebrates the hermit saint venerated for centuries as the protector of domestic animals and the agricultural world. It is a day when popular faith, the area's rural roots, and affection for animals intertwine in a ritual that involves families, farmers, and curious visitors alike.

The gathering and the procession

The event kicks off in the morning with the gathering of animals and farm machinery at the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Galloro, in front of the church. Horses, dogs, farm animals, and tractors meet to create a colorful procession that travels through the city and reaches the historic center. The parade is a evocative moment, a testament to the rural vocation of Ariccia and the Castelli Romani, a land of vineyards, olive groves, and ancient agricultural traditions.

Mass and the blessing of the animals

Once the procession reaches Piazza di Corte, the monumental heart of the city designed by Bernini, Holy Mass is celebrated. At the end of the service, the parish priest imparts the blessing to the animals and farm machinery, the most anticipated gesture of the day: every owner brings their animal to receive the saint's protection. The festival is organized by the Municipality of Ariccia together with the Santa Maria Assunta in Cielo Parish, with the involvement of local associations.

Fritters, wine, and conviviality

As tradition dictates, the religious aspect gives way to the social one: at the end of the ceremony, fritters and wine are distributed to the participants. It is the moment when the community comes together, sharing a toast and a chat, to celebrate a piece of popular identity passed down from generation to generation.

A symbol of local identity

The Saint Anthony Abbot Festival tells the story of the authentic soul of Ariccia and the Castelli Romani: a territory where religious devotion and rural culture still coexist today. For visitors, it is an opportunity to discover a genuine tradition, far from the major tourist flows, and to soak up the atmosphere of a village festival with a strong sense of identity.