Saint Lucy Patronal Festival
The patronal festival of Rocca di Cambio on the Altopiano delle Rocche
About Saint Lucy Festival
The patronal festival of Rocca di Cambio
The Saint Lucy Patronal Festival is the most cherished event of the year for the community of Rocca di Cambio, in the province of L'Aquila. Located at over 1,400 meters above sea level, it is one of the highest towns in the Central Apennines, nestled on the Altopiano delle Rocche. Saint Lucy is the patron saint not only of the town but of the entire plateau; although traditionally commemorated on December 13th, she is celebrated with great solemnity on the last Sunday of June, when the climate allows for the most authentic and communal experience of the festival.
Faith and tradition at the Abbey of Saint Lucy
The spiritual heart of the celebrations is the ancient Abbey of Saint Lucy, which houses a rare fresco of the Last Supper. The religious program unfolds around the church: morning masses, the Saturday evening Holy Mass, and the Sunday Solemn Mass, accompanied by the Schola Cantorum. The highlight is the procession that winds through the historic center, including the laying of a wreath at the War Memorial and a floral tribute at the pond dedicated to the Saint.
Music, games, and fireworks
Alongside the devotional aspect, the festival thrives on popular gatherings. The traveling concert of the Brass Band accompanies the town's awakening, while the Piazzale Maggiore Lolli hosts live music evenings, games for all ages, and traditional tournaments. There are also workshops for children, such as the one dedicated to making beeswax candles in honor of Saint Lucy, a symbol of light.
- Solemn procession through the streets of the historic center
- 'Pupazza' dance, an ancient Abruzzese folk tradition
- Daytime and evening fireworks displays
- Brass band concerts and musical entertainment
- Tournaments, games, and family workshops
An identity-defining event of the Altopiano delle Rocche
The festival is organized by the Rocca di Cambio Patronal Festival Committee, in collaboration with the Alpini Group, the Pro Loco, and the Saint Lucy Association, under the patronage of the Municipality. It is a precious opportunity to discover a mountain village in Abruzzo immersed in the Sirente-Velino Regional Natural Park, where centuries-old devotion intertwines with the hospitality and traditions of a community deeply connected to the mountains.
Saint Lucy Festival — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Saint Lucy Patronal Festival in Rocca di Cambio was held on Saturday, June 27, and Sunday, June 28, under the theme 'Whoever believes in me makes his words his light.' The program combined religious and popular dimensions, attracting worshippers and visitors to the Altopiano delle Rocche.
Saturday began at dawn with firecracker displays, followed by a sporting event, a beeswax candle workshop at the 'Il Cavallo' park, the evening Holy Mass at the Abbey of Saint Lucy, and, in the evening, musical entertainment at Piazzale Maggiore Lolli with the Vasco Rossi tribute band, PuntoRadio.
Sunday featured the traveling concert of the Città di Celano Brass Band, morning masses, the solemn procession with the laying of a wreath at the War Memorial, the 11:15 AM Solemn Mass, and a midday fireworks display. In the afternoon, the Saint Lucy bocce tournament, games for all ages, and, in the evening, music with Emanuele La Plebe, the Pupazza dance, and final fireworks concluded the festival.
Programme Saint Lucy Festival 2026
Saturday, June 27, 2026
- 8:00 AM - Opening of the festival with firecrackers
- 4:00 PM - Sporting event at the municipal field
- 4:30 PM - Beeswax candle workshop at 'Il Cavallo' park
- 6:00 PM - Evening Holy Mass at the Abbey of Saint Lucy
- 9:30 PM - Musical entertainment with PuntoRadio, Vasco Rossi tribute (Piazzale Maggiore Lolli)
Sunday, June 28, 2026
- 8:00 AM - Opening with firecrackers
- 8:30 AM - Traveling concert by the Città di Celano Brass Band
- 8:15 / 9:15 / 10:00 AM - Holy Masses at the Abbey
- 10:15 AM - Start of the procession with wreath-laying at the War Memorial (Piazza Agnifili)
- 11:15 AM - Solemn Mass with the Schola Cantorum
- 1:00 PM - Fireworks display
- 4:00 PM - Saint Lucy bocce tournament
- 4:30 PM - Games for all ages
- 9:30 PM - Musical entertainment with Emanuele La Plebe, Pupazza dance, and final fireworks display
Highlights Saint Lucy Festival 2026
Prices Saint Lucy Festival 2026
Practical information — Saint Lucy Festival
How to get there
Rocca di Cambio can be reached by car from the A24 motorway (L'Aquila Est/Ovest exit), continuing towards the Altopiano delle Rocche along the SS 5bis. The reference train station is L'Aquila, about 25 km away.
When
The celebrations are held on the last Sunday of June and the preceding Saturday.
Admission
All festival events are free and open to the public.
Tips
Being located at over 1,400 meters in altitude, we recommend clothing suitable for cool mountain evenings.
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Where does it take place — Saint Lucy Festival
Abbazia di Santa Lucia