Saint John the Baptist Festival
The patronal feast of Ceccano, blending popular faith and entertainment in Piazza 25 Luglio
About Saint John Festival
The patronal feast of Ceccano
Saint John the Baptist is the patron saint of Ceccano, a town in the Province of Frosinone, in the heart of the Lazio region's Ciociaria. His feast day falls on June 24th, and around this date, the Ceccano community celebrates one of its most cherished traditions—a recurring event that unites religious and secular dimensions in a single calendar of festivities spread between the Mother Church, the historic center, and the central Piazza 25 Luglio.
The religious program
The spiritual aspect of the festival follows patronal tradition. Every evening until June 23rd, the novena in honor of the saint gathers believers, associations, and local groups in prayer. The eve of the feast is marked by a floral tribute from the Municipal Administration, a Solemn Holy Mass, and a procession along the traditional route, with the statue of the Baptist carried through the town streets. On June 24th, the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, Holy Masses and Vespers are celebrated, featuring the blessing and veneration of the saint's relic.
Secular festivities in Piazza 25 Luglio
Alongside the liturgical celebrations, a program of evening performances with free admission is hosted in the scenic Piazza 25 Luglio. The artistic offerings range from local Ciociarian dialect comedy to musical tributes, and from nights dedicated to urban and rap music to traditional folk dance. The guiding principle, emphasized by the Administration, is the promotion of local talent: artists, theater companies, and musicians born in Ceccano and the Frosinone province enliven the evenings, turning the festival into a true celebration of local identity.
More than just a stage
During the festival days, the town center comes alive with stalls featuring typical local products and Ciociarian crafts, in an atmosphere that blends the sacred and the profane, rural memory, and village life. In recent years, initiatives for children have been added, such as theatrical performances and play areas, confirming a festival that aims to involve the entire community.
A heart-felt appointment in Ciociaria
The Saint John the Baptist Festival is much more than a date on the calendar: it is the moment when Ceccano recognizes itself in its history and its patron saint, opening its squares to residents and visitors alike. Those arriving during these days will find a vibrant town, a part of Lazio less traveled by mass tourism, and the genuine hospitality of the Ciociaria region, amidst faith, music, and conviviality.
Saint John Festival — edition 2026
Saint John Festival 2026
The 2026 edition took place in Ceccano from June 21st to 24th, divided between the religious part in honor of the patron saint and four evenings of free-entry performances in Piazza 25 Luglio. The event, promoted by the Municipality of Ceccano through the Department of Cultural Policies, focused explicitly on promoting artists from Ceccano and the Ciociaria region.
The liturgical calendar included the evening novena at the Mother Church until June 23rd, the floral tribute from the Administration, the Solemn Holy Mass and the eve procession, and the celebrations of the solemnity on June 24th, the day of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist.
Programme Saint John Festival 2026
Sunday, June 21 - 9 PM
Dialect comedy theater with the Atto Primo company in the show "Quando i Conti non tornano... le Contesse si ingegnano".
Monday, June 22 - 9 PM
Rock music with the Vasco Rossi tribute "Vivere Vasco".
Tuesday, June 23
6 PM, at the Municipal Library Auditorium (Via San Sebastiano): "Il Re delle Caramelle", a children's show by the Compagnia delle Spille (directed by Armando Roscia). 10:30 PM, in Piazza 25 Luglio, the "La Guazza di San Giovanni" night with Charlie Fuzz feat. Sgash, Sheng, Le Rhash and the "Nocturna" DJ set by Brvss, featuring alternative rock, rap, trap, hip hop, and urban music.
Wednesday, June 24 - 9 PM
Grand folk music finale with the Officine Meridionali orchestra directed by Giuliano Gabriele in the show "Festa a Ballo", with Giorgia Parmeni and Ceccano local Lucia Cremonesi, featuring tambourines and accordions.
Religious program
Evening novena until June 23; June 23 Solemn Holy Mass and procession; June 24 Holy Masses and Vespers at the Church of Saint John the Baptist.
Highlights Saint John Festival 2026
- Four free evenings in Piazza 25 Luglio dedicated to local talent
- Ciociarian dialect comedy theater with the Atto Primo company
- Vasco Rossi tribute with "Vivere Vasco"
- "La Guazza di San Giovanni", rap and urban night with DJ set
- Grand folk music finale with the Officine Meridionali orchestra
- Novena, solemn mass, and patron saint procession
Prices Saint John Festival 2026
Practical information — Saint John Festival
Location
Evening shows are held in Piazza 25 Luglio in the center of Ceccano (Province of Frosinone, Lazio). Religious celebrations take place at the Church of Saint John the Baptist, Via San Giovanni Battista 26, 03023 Ceccano (FR).
How to get there
By car: Ceccano is accessible via the A1 Milan-Naples motorway, taking the Frosinone exit and continuing towards Ceccano (approx. 10 km). By train: The Ceccano station is on the Rome-Cassino-Naples line, with frequent regional connections. By plane: The nearest airports are Rome Fiumicino and Rome Ciampino.
Costs
All performances in Piazza 25 Luglio are free of charge. Religious celebrations are also open to the public.
Tips
Evenings generally start late; it is advisable to arrive early to secure a spot in the square. Don't miss the stalls selling typical Ciociarian products in the historic center.
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Where does it take place — Saint John Festival
Piazza 25 Luglio
Piazza 25 Luglio, 03023 Ceccano