Saint Rita Festival
The patronal feast of the Santa Rita district in Lanciano
About Saint Rita Festival
The patronal feast of the Santa Rita district
In the heart of the Santa Rita district of Lanciano, in the province of Chieti (Abruzzo), the Saint Rita of Cascia Festival is the most anticipated event of the spring. Organized by the Spirito Santo Parish in collaboration with the "Le Rita's" neighborhood committee, the festival transforms the streets of the district for several days into a path of devotion, color, and music, bringing the community together around its patron saint.
The religious program
The spiritual journey of the festival begins with the novena to Saint Rita, held at the Spirito Santo Church from May 13th to 21st. After the morning masses, worshippers can purchase the traditional "Torta delle Rose" (Rose Cake) on the church square, a sweet symbol of devotion to the saint. On May 22nd, the saint's feast day, a solemn mass is presided over by the Archbishop of Lanciano-Ortona, followed by a procession through the neighborhood streets: starting from the church square, the parade winds through Via De Riseis, Via Cipollone, Via Marciani, Via Polsinetti, and Via Bellisario, accompanied by the historic "Tanino" Band of Lanciano.
Music, entertainment, and community
Alongside the religious rites, the festival offers a rich secular program in Piazza Giovanni Paolo II. Evenings come alive with concerts, entertainment shows, and a fashion show curated by local ateliers. Festive lights and fireworks complete the atmosphere, while the floral decorations—thousands of crocheted roses crafted by the "Le Rita's" committee volunteers—adorn the church and square, becoming one of the event's most iconic features.
A symbol of identity and renewal
The Saint Rita Festival is much more than a religious celebration: it is a moment of identity and renewal for this densely populated district of Lanciano. Civil, military, and religious authorities attend the celebrations, testifying to the event's community value. Between popular faith, Abruzzese tradition, and the active participation of residents, the festival renews the bond between the district and its patron saint every year.
Saint Rita Festival — edition 2026
2026 Edition
The Saint Rita Festival in the Santa Rita district of Lanciano (Chieti) was celebrated over the weekend of May 22nd and 23rd, 2026. On May 22nd, the saint's feast day, the solemn mass presided over by Archbishop Emidio Cipollone was followed by a procession through the district streets with the "Tanino" Band of Lanciano.
On the evening of the 22nd, in Piazza Giovanni Paolo II, the young Aurora Di Profio, a voice from The Voice Kids, performed at 9:30 PM, followed at 10:30 PM by a concert from the acoustic trio Redblack. On Saturday, May 23rd, the square hosted a fashion show by the "Marisa Spose" atelier at 9:00 PM, and a show with Jo Squillo and DJ Michelle at 10:00 PM. The celebrations were attended by the Prefect of Chieti, Silvana D'Agostino, the Police Commissioner Leonida Marseglia, and other civil and military authorities.
Programme Saint Rita Festival 2026
2026 Program
- May 13-21 — Novena to Saint Rita at the Spirito Santo Church; sale of the "Torta delle Rose" on the church square after the 9 AM and 11 AM masses
- May 22 — Solemn mass presided over by Archbishop Emidio Cipollone and procession through the district streets (Via De Riseis, Via Cipollone, Via Marciani, Via Polsinetti, Via Bellisario) with the "Tanino" Band
- May 22, 9:30 PM — Piazza Giovanni Paolo II: performance by Aurora Di Profio (The Voice Kids)
- May 22, 10:30 PM — Concert by the acoustic trio Redblack
- May 23, 9:00 PM — Fashion show by the "Marisa Spose" atelier
- May 23, 10:00 PM — Show with Jo Squillo and DJ Michelle
Highlights Saint Rita Festival 2026
- Solemn mass by the Archbishop and procession with the "Tanino" Band
- Aurora Di Profio, young voice from The Voice Kids
- Fashion show and show with Jo Squillo
- Attendance of the Prefect and Police Commissioner of Chieti
Prices Saint Rita Festival 2026
Practical information — Saint Rita Festival
Location
Spirito Santo Church and Piazza Giovanni Paolo II, Santa Rita district, Lanciano (CH). The procession winds through Via De Riseis, Via Cipollone, Via Marciani, Via Polsinetti, and Via Bellisario.
Getting there
Lanciano is accessible by car via the Lanciano exit on the A14 motorway; the Lanciano train station is connected to the regional Abruzzo rail network. The Santa Rita district is located in the northern part of the city.
Admission
Religious events and performances in the square are free of charge.
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Where does it take place — Saint Rita Festival
Chiesa dello Spirito Santo e Piazza Giovanni Paolo II