Saint Michael the Archangel Festival (Monterotondo Scalo)

A neighborhood celebration that belongs to everyone

The Saint Michael the Archangel Festival is the most anticipated event of the year in Monterotondo Scalo, a populous district of the Municipality of Monterotondo, in the Province of Rome, in the heart of the Roman Sabina region. Originally a simple parish feast centered around the Vergine Santissima del Carmine church, it has grown over the years to involve the entire community. Today, the calendar is no longer limited to just the weekend; it begins about two weeks prior, weaving together liturgical, sporting, and entertainment events.

The journey to September 29th

The first part of the festival is the most intimate. Each evening, usually around 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, the community moves from neighborhood to neighborhood for mass: Piazza San Michele, Via Monte Grappa, Via Monti Sant'Ilario, Piedicosta, Borgonuovo, and the local bocce club take turns becoming the spiritual center of the district. It is an ancient and effective way to bring the festival out of the church and into the heart of daily life.

The main weekend

The most awaited moment arrives with the weekend preceding the liturgical feast on September 29th. It begins with a solemn mass, often presided over by a bishop from the Diocese of Sabina-Poggio Mirteto, followed by a solemn procession: the statue of Saint Michael the Archangel travels through the streets of Monterotondo Scalo accompanied by the Eretina Musical Band, with illuminated balconies and families waiting at their doorsteps. Upon returning to the square, the fireworks display erupts, with the classic cascades of light over the church steps—the iconic image of the festival that everyone waits for.

Music, dance, and food stalls

The following evenings are dedicated to the secular and popular side of the festival. For years, the stage in Piazza San Michele has hosted dance orchestras, tribute bands, and local groups. Recent editions have featured acts like the Outside Band, the Renato Zero tribute band 'Icaro', and 'La Banda del Cuore', while past years have seen tributes to 'I Nomadi' and traditional ballroom dance bands. The event also includes:

• performances by local dance schools;
• martial arts demonstrations and sporting activities;
• entertainment, games, and inflatables for children in the late afternoon;
• food stalls and community dinners by reservation, featuring traditional Lazio dishes;
• market stalls and rides along the streets adjacent to the square.

Who organizes it

The driving force behind the festival is the Vergine Santissima del Carmine Parish, supported by a festival committee and a very active network of associations: the 'La Bussola' oratory, the 'San Michele' sports association, and the 'Monterotondo 2' scout group handle entertainment, logistics, and table service. It is an entirely volunteer-run operation that sets up the stage, lights, and kitchens every year with the sole help of the residents.

Why it is worth visiting

Visitors from outside will find an authentic patronal feast, free from tourist filters: popular devotion coexists with the local food festival, and the scent of the grills blends with the notes of the band. Located just a few kilometers from Rome and reachable by train in about twenty minutes, the Saint Michael Festival is a simple and sincere opportunity to experience how tradition is lived in the towns of the Lazio hinterland.