Saint Michael the Archangel Patronal Feast

A ten-day celebration

The Saint Michael the Archangel Patronal Feast is the most anticipated event of the year in Montopoli di Sabina, a town of about four thousand inhabitants in the province of Rieti, in the heart of the Sabine Lazio region. Traditionally, the festivities begin around September 20th and conclude on the 29th, the day the Church celebrates the Archangel Michael. During this time, the village never rests: religious, cultural, sporting, and gastronomic events involve the entire population and every street in town.

The patron saint and his church

The cult of Saint Michael in Montopoli has roots dating back to the Middle Ages. The church dedicated to him, rebuilt in the 17th century, rests on a foundation from the 11th century, which tradition links to the military garrisons stationed to defend the fortifications of Monte Tancia. The most solemn moments of the feast revolve around this building: liturgical celebrations, the procession with the patron saint's statue through the historic center, and the blessing of the community.

«Ritrovarsi a Montopoli»

The secular framework of the feast is the «Ritrovarsi a Montopoli» festival, which for decades has brought together local associations under a single program. The schedule features a diverse array of activities:

• the Collective Painting Exhibition, an art show that remains open for the entire duration of the event and has surpassed its fortieth edition;
• «L'Olivo d'Oro», a variety show featuring guest artists and personalities, a historic award linked to Sabine olive growing;
• dance evenings and concerts in the square with ballroom orchestras and cover bands;
• theatrical performances at the Teatro San Michele Arcangelo;
• «Autumn in the Square», with a market of plants, flowers, handicrafts, and local agricultural products;
• activities for children, tournaments, and sports competitions.

Sabine cuisine takes center stage

The gastronomic aspect is one of the main reasons visitors flock from all over the province. Two festivals in particular mark the days: the Fried Pizza Festival, a signature dish of the Sabine villages enjoyed both savory and sweet, and the Fregnacce alla Sabinese Festival, featuring fresh pasta tossed with tomato and olives typical of this area. Food stalls also offer sandwiches, grilled meats, sausages, and wines from the Colli della Sabina designation, alongside extra virgin olive oil, the true pride of the territory.

Why visit

Those who arrive in Montopoli during these days will find an authentic village festival, not one manufactured for tourism: the participation is that of an entire community coming together. The medieval village, dominated by the Torre Ugonesca with its 360-degree view of the Tiber Valley, provides a natural backdrop for the evening shows. Its proximity to the Tevere-Farfa Nature Reserve and its location just over an hour from Rome make it easy to combine the festival with a day trip in the Sabina region, amidst ancient olive groves and small historic centers.

A Lazio Region event

Included in the calendar of events promoted by the Lazio Region, the Saint Michael the Archangel Patronal Feast perfectly represents how religious devotion and secular celebration continue to coexist in the province of Rieti. It is the best time of the year to experience Montopoli di Sabina in its most vibrant form.