Saint Anthony Abbot Festival

A rural festival in the heart of the Roman countryside

Every year, around January 17th, Campagnano di Roma celebrates the Saint Anthony Abbot Festival, one of the village's most cherished and ancient popular traditions. Saint Anthony Abbot, revered as the protector of domestic animals and patron saint of farmers, breeders, butchers, and charcutiers, has always been a central figure in the rural culture of Lazio: his feast marks the heart of winter and gathers the entire community around the sacred, the fire, and the land.

The great Saint Anthony bonfire and the Knights' torchlight procession

The most evocative moment is undoubtedly the blessing of the Saint Anthony bonfire, lit near the Church of the Gonfalone. The whole town gathers around the massive blaze, while the statue of the Saint is carried in a procession accompanied by the spectacular torchlight procession of the Knights. It is a ritual rooted in ancient peasant devotion, when fire symbolized protection, purification, and the promise of the coming spring.

The blessing of the animals and the horse parade

Sunday is dedicated to animals: from the early hours of the morning, the traditional blessing of the animals takes place, followed by the horse parade and the blessing of the knights and the Contrade. The deep bond between Campagnano and the equestrian world culminates in the Torneo della Stella, a highly anticipated horse-riding skill competition that turns the town streets into a theater of dexterity and passion.

Scocciapilacce, tractors, and local flavors

There is no shortage of playful and convivial moments. Along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the scocciapilacce takes place—one of the most characteristic popular games of the festival—while the tractor parade by local farms pays homage to the work of the fields. To complete the festivities, there is the unmissable lottery and traditional peasant dishes, making this a festival that is both fun for all ages and a living memory of a rural identity.

Organization and spirit of the event

The Saint Anthony Abbot Festival is organized jointly by the Department of Culture of the Municipality of Campagnano di Roma, the Pro Loco, and the Parish of San Giovanni Battista, with the invaluable contribution of the Knights, the Contrade, and local agricultural businesses. In the most authentic part of Lazio, just a few kilometers from Lake Bracciano and the Veio Park, this festival remains one of the winter highlights that best captures the rural soul of the Roman countryside.