Saint Lawrence Martyr Festival (Laghetto in Festa)

A neighborhood festival at the foot of the Castelli Romani

The Saint Lawrence Martyr Festival, known to all as Laghetto in Festa, is the most cherished event of the year for the Laghetto district, in the municipality of Monte Compatri, near Rome, in the heart of the Castelli Romani and the Lazio region. For four days, the parish square on Via Marmorelle transforms into an open-air venue featuring concerts, dance performances, moments of prayer, and simple community gathering.

The parish church, a modernist building from the 1950s, is the focal point of the entire event: the procession starts here, the solemn mass is celebrated here, and the stage for the evening entertainment is set up right in front of the churchyard.

Live music every night

The program is designed to engage all ages, from children to the neighborhood's elderly. Evenings typically begin at 9:00 PM with local bands and dance orchestras, offering a repertoire ranging from Italian pop to classic ballroom music and more contemporary sounds. The event also features notable musical guests and performances by local dance schools, bringing couples and group dances to the square with direct audience participation.

• Evening concerts by bands and orchestras from the Castelli Romani area
• Performances by local dance schools, with audience involvement
• Closing night of open-air dancing, the most popular moment of the festival
• Entertainment and activities for families and children

The religious dimension: mass and procession

The authentic heart of the festival remains its devotional aspect. On Sunday morning, a solemn mass is celebrated in honor of the patron saint, followed by a procession that winds through the streets of the district carrying the statue of Saint Lawrence Martyr. It is a simple, well-attended parade marked by hymns and accompanied by volunteers, local police, and the National Carabinieri Association, who ensure safety. The municipal administration of Monte Compatri traditionally participates in the procession, confirming the civic as well as religious value of the event.

Who organizes it

The event is managed by A.C.R.S.D. San Lorenzo Martire, the parish association that brings together local volunteers, with the patronage of the Municipality of Monte Compatri. The entire operation is based on the voluntary work of residents: setup, catering, hospitality, and security are handled by dozens of people who organize in the preceding weeks. This explains the genuine character of the festival, far removed from commercial event logic.

Why it is worth visiting

Visitors from outside will find one of the most authentic expressions of a Lazio patronal festival: no tickets, no stage-managed tourist sets, just a community coming together. It is also a great starting point for discovering Monte Compatri, a scenic village overlooking the Roman countryside and the Alban Hills, and more generally the Castelli Romani circuit, famous for its wines, traditional fraschette taverns, and numerous summer food festivals.

When it takes place

The festival is traditionally held in June, spanning four days from Thursday to Sunday. The exact dates are announced each year by the parish and promoted by the local Castelli Romani press in the weeks leading up to the event.