Saint Roch Festival

The patronal feast of Montorio al Vomano

The Saint Roch Festival is the most cherished patronal event in Montorio al Vomano, a town in the province of Teramo set within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, in Abruzzo. Saint Roch is the town's patron saint, venerated in the parish church dedicated to him under the Diocese of Teramo-Atri, and his liturgical feast day on August 16th has anchored the village's summer calendar for generations.

Between devotion and popular celebration

The celebration weaves together religious and secular traditions. The day begins with holy masses and the traditional blessing, while the heart of the devotion is the solemn procession through the streets of the historic center, accompanied by the Città di Montorio Band. The statue of the saint is carried through Piazza Orsini and the village streets, surrounded by the faithful.

The Corsa della Panza-Nuda

One of the most characteristic and anticipated events is the Corsa della Panza-Nuda, a lighthearted competition traditionally held in Piazza Orsini that attracts both young and old. It is a moment of collective joy that perfectly captures the convivial spirit of the festival, uniting the local community and the many visitors who flock to the town during the Ferragosto holiday.

Music, shows, and flavors

The secular program is enriched by musical evenings, concerts by local bands, dance performances, and children's entertainment with games and inflatables between Piazza Orsini and the Fonte dei Mulini area, alongside dialect comedy plays that celebrate local culture. Not to be missed are the food stalls, offering traditional Teramo and Abruzzo specialties, from classic pasta dishes to grilled meats.

A village to discover

The festival is also the perfect opportunity to explore Montorio al Vomano, home to the famous Church of Saint Roch—listed among the FAI 'Places of the Heart'—and its prime location at the gateway to the Gran Sasso, a destination for hiking and nature tourism. The dates for the 2026 edition confirm the patronal celebration on August 16th; the detailed program is traditionally released by the parish and the municipality in the weeks leading up to the event.