Saint Anthony of Padua Procession in Arpino

The patronal feast of Arpino

Every year, coinciding with the liturgical feast on June 13th, the town of Arpino, in the province of Frosinone, celebrates Saint Anthony of Padua with one of the most attended religious festivals in the Ciociaria region. For a few days, this Lazio village—the birthplace of Cicero—becomes a vibrant blend of devotion, popular tradition, and public festivities that involve the entire community and attract visitors from the surrounding areas.

The solemn procession

The most anticipated moment is the solemn procession that winds through the streets of the historic center. The statue of the Saint, carried on shoulders, parades through medieval alleys among rows of the faithful, accompanied by the clergy, confraternities, and a brass band. The day is marked by Eucharistic celebrations: morning masses, the blessing and entrustment of children to Saint Anthony, and the evening mass that precedes the religious parade.

The historical costume pageant

Alongside the sacred dimension, the festival preserves a captivating historical re-enactment organized by the "Saint Anthony of Padua" Confraternity. Near Palazzo Sangermano, a procession in period costumes inspired by the poet and marchioness Vittoria Colonna—a figure linked to the local history—takes place, with the participation of the "La Ciocia" folk group from Fontana Liri. It is a tribute to the Ciociara identity and its cultural roots.

Public festivities

In the evening, Piazza Municipio becomes the stage for public celebrations. Over the years, the program has featured dance orchestras, comedy shows, and cabaret performances by well-known Italian comedians, as well as musical evenings. For the 2026 edition, a concert by Johnson Righeira was announced in Piazza Municipio, celebrating the great Italian summer hits. The festival concludes with traditional fireworks that light up the sky above the village rooftops.

Arpino, a village to discover

Ranked among the most picturesque villages in Lazio, Arpino preserves the acropolis of Civitavecchia with its famous polygonal walls and pointed arch, a compact historic center, and panoramic views over the Liri Valley. The Saint Anthony festival is the ideal opportunity to combine participation in an authentic tradition of southern Lazio with a visit to one of the most fascinating historic centers in the province of Frosinone.