Saint Gilberto Patronal Feast

The patronal feast of Altino

In Altino, a small town in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo, the patron saint is Saint Gilberto, traditionally celebrated on September 4th. The official municipal website of Altino designates Saint Gilberto as the patron saint and September 4th as the day of his commemoration, an event that draws the entire community into the historic center every year.

A village perched between rivers

Altino stands at an altitude of approximately 345 meters on a rocky spur, in a naturally defended position at the confluence of the Sangro and Aventino river valleys. According to tradition, the village was founded by refugees fleeing the destruction of the ancient Altinum during the 5th-century invasions, who chose this hill as a safe haven. It is in this setting of alleys, churches, and views over the valley that the patronal feast takes place, centered around the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo and the town's other historic churches.

Religious rites and community life

As with most patronal feasts in Abruzzo, the day of Saint Gilberto intertwines religious and civic dimensions: liturgical services, the procession of the saint's statue through the streets of the historic center, and the convivial moments that enliven the village squares. It is an occasion where the people of Altino, including many who have emigrated but return for the event, reconnect with their roots and traditions.

Other celebrations in the Altino calendar

The feast of Saint Gilberto is part of a busy calendar of religious events that mark the year in Altino. Among the most significant are the feast of Saints Cosma and Damiano on September 26-27, linked to the historic Perdono (plenary indulgence) ceremony shared for centuries with nearby Roccascalegna, and the feast of the Madonna del Rosario in the hamlet of Selva di Altino in May, featuring the traditional custom of scattering rose petals along the procession route. The village is also known for the prized Peperone Dolce di Altino (Sweet Pepper of Altino), a local product celebrated every summer in a dedicated festival.

An authentic experience of inland Abruzzo

Participating in the Saint Gilberto patronal feast means experiencing the Abruzzo of small villages, far from the main tourist circuits, characterized by close-knit communities, handed-down traditions, and landscapes nestled between the rivers and hills of the Chieti province. The nearby Lake Serranella Regional Reserve, at the confluence of the Sangro and Aventino, completes the visit with its natural richness.