Saint Bartholomew Patronal Feast — Procession of the Macchina

The Patronal Feast of Saint Bartholomew in Ronciglione

In the heart of the Viterbo Tuscia, perched on the Cimini Mountains a short distance from Lake Vico, the town of Ronciglione (Viterbo province, Lazio) pays homage every year to its patron saint, the apostle Saint Bartholomew, celebrated on August 24th. The festivities, which blend religious devotion with local spirit, culminate in the evocative procession of the Macchina, one of the most deeply felt religious events in the entire village.

The Macchina of Saint Bartholomew

The grand processional Macchina dates back to 1793 and remains one of the most precious testaments to Ronciglione's 18th-century traditions. Fully illuminated, it is carried on the shoulders of sixteen bearers who accompany it through the crowds lining the town streets. In 2026, the 28th transport is celebrated, confirming a tradition that renews itself with growing public participation and represents a true pillar of the community's identity.

The August 24th Procession

The procession kicks off on the evening of August 24th at 9:30 PM from the Cathedral of Ronciglione. The parade winds through the historic center to Piazzale del Monumento, before returning via Corso Umberto I, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, Via Roma, Viale Garibaldi, and Piazza Principe di Napoli. In the darkness of the evening, the illuminated Macchina offers a spectacle of great emotional intensity, accompanied by hymns, prayers, and the moving devotion of the faithful. The following morning, on August 25th at 11:00 AM, a solemn Mass is held in honor of the Saint.

The Sodalizio di San Bartolomeo

The organization is entrusted to the Sodalizio di San Bartolomeo, founded in the late 1990s by a group of volunteers dedicated to restoring the Macchina, which had been weathered by time. Today, the Sodalizio counts over sixty active members involved in numerous religious and charitable initiatives, carefully guarding the memory and dignity of this ancient Ronciglione tradition.

The 2026 Celebration Program

• August 22nd — Concert by the local Town Band in honor of the Patron Saint
• August 24th, 9:30 PM — Solemn procession of the Macchina of Saint Bartholomew through the historic center
• August 25th, 11:00 AM — Solemn Mass in the Cathedral

Ronciglione: Faith and Tradition

The patronal feast is just one of the moments that define life in Ronciglione, a village also known for its famous Historical Carnival and the Palio of Saint Bartholomew with its spectacular riderless horse races. Visiting the town during the feast means immersing yourself in an authentic community atmosphere: medieval alleys, Baroque churches, local Viterbo flavors, and the warm hospitality of the locals. An ideal opportunity to discover one of the lesser-known gems of the Lazio region.