Saint Gaetano da Thiene Festival (Patronal Feast)

A patronal feast that defines the town's identity

In the heart of the Sabina region, in the province of Rieti, the town of Poggio Mirteto dedicates the first week of August each year to its patron saint, Saint Gaetano da Thiene. This is far more than a simple religious observance; it is the event that brings the entire community together, including many locals returning for the summer, transforming Piazza Martiri della Libertà into an open-air living room bustling until late at night. The festival blends devotion, historical memory, music, and Sabina cuisine in a balance perfected over the centuries.

The historical procession of August 7th, alive since 1694

The most anticipated moment is the historical procession, with roots tracing back to 1694, considered one of the most significant identity-defining events in the entire Sabina area. At 6:00 PM, the bells of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta summon the confraternity members, who assemble on the church square in an order passed down through generations.

• Confraternity of the Gonfalone, wearing their characteristic blue robes;
• Confraternity of the Misericordia, Orazione e Morte, in black;
• the two monumental Crocioni, processional crosses over four meters tall and weighing about fifty kilos each, adorned with gilded ivy leaves;
• the historical banners, the oldest of which dates back to 1831;
• the precious gilded wooden statue of Saint Gaetano, commissioned in 1700 by the Compagnia della Misericordia.

The procession winds through the churches of San Rocco, San Giovanni, and the Cathedral, concluding in the main square with the Bishop's blessing and a fireworks display. Since 2021, the festival has been enriched by an international sculpture competition, which each year embellishes the processional float with contemporary works inspired by the saint's life and miracles: a successful dialogue between secular tradition and modern artistic expression.

Evenings in the square: music, flavors, and community

Surrounding the religious core is a rich and popular secular program, curated by the Pro Loco of Poggio Mirteto in collaboration with the Municipality and the Confraternities. Every evening, starting at 8:00 PM, food stalls open, while the square's stage hosts concerts, tribute bands, revival shows, and DJ sets. The Gastronomic Review dedicated to typical Sabina dishes is a highlight, offering the perfect opportunity to taste the DOP extra virgin olive oil that has made this territory famous, alongside homemade pasta, meats, and traditional rustic desserts.

The Fair and the night market on August 8th

August 8th is dedicated to the traditional Saint Gaetano Fair, which fills the town center streets with all kinds of stalls, continuing from late afternoon with the night market, now in its thirtieth year. This is when the town fills with visitors from across the Lower Sabina and the nearby Roman area. The evening typically concludes with live music and the midnight raffle, an unmissable ritual of Lazio summer festivals.

Why visit Poggio Mirteto

Poggio Mirteto is one of the most vibrant villages in the Rieti Sabina, also known for its two historical carnivals. Visiting in August means discovering a compact, pleasant historic center perfect for walking, featuring the 18th-century Cathedral, ancient city gates, and narrow alleys that open up to views of the Tiber Valley. The patronal feast is free and suitable for all ages: one of the best opportunities in Lazio to see firsthand how a community continues to tell its story through its rituals.