Saint Anthony Abbot Festival

The first festival of the year in Capena

The Saint Anthony Abbot Festival is a tradition deeply rooted in the culture of Capena, a small town in the Sabina countryside within the Province of Rome, in the heart of Lazio. Celebrated every year on January 17th—the day the calendar honors the hermit saint who protects animals and the farming world—it marks the beginning of the annual festival cycle, uniting the entire community through ancient rites passed down through generations.

The olive log and the rosemary pipe

In the morning, a large olive wood log is lit in front of the church, destined to burn throughout the day. Around this fire, the most distinctive custom of Capena takes place: citizens approach the embers to light cigarettes, cigars, and especially pipes filled with dried rosemary needles. Some scholars believe this is the survival of an ancient ritual involving the burning of fragrant herbs during sacrifices, later Christianized in devotion to the saint. The scent of rosemary drifting through the cold January air is one of the most evocative features of the day.

The procession and the blessing of the animals

The religious heart of the festival is the procession featuring the statue of Saint Anthony, accompanied by a brass band that winds through the streets of the historic center. The most anticipated moment, especially for families and children, is the blessing of the animals: dogs, cats, horses, and farm animals are brought by their owners to the church to be blessed, honoring Saint Anthony's role as the patron of farmers and working beasts.

Flavors and conviviality

The festival is also a moment of strong community spirit. The Agrarian University of Capena, the organizing body, oversees the traditional distribution of anise rolls, biscuits (savoiardi), and drinks to attendees—a gesture of hospitality that strengthens community bonds and warms up a winter day.

An identity heritage

Preserved and promoted by the Agrarian University and the Pro Loco, with the support of the Municipality of Capena, the Saint Anthony Abbot Festival represents much more than a religious recurrence: it is an intangible heritage that tells the story of the centuries-old relationship between the Sabina community, the land, and the animals. Those who visit Capena on January 17th will discover the authentic atmosphere of a village festival, where the sacred, folklore, and rural life still intertwine today.