Saint Thomas Aquinas Celebrations (Saint Thomas Bonfire)

A fiery celebration for the Angelic Doctor

In Roccasecca, in the province of Frosinone, the beginning of March has for centuries been a time when the town gathers to honor Saint Thomas Aquinas, the philosopher and theologian whom local tradition claims was born here, in the castle of the Counts of Aquino on Mount Asprano. The Saint Thomas Celebrations are more than just a religious observance: they are a moment for the community to reflect on its identity through devotion, folklore, and cultural pride.

The most iconic element of the festival is the Saint Thomas bonfire, lit on the eve of the feast on Via Roma, near the monumental fountain. It is an ancient ritual, reminiscent of those in Southern Lazio that mark the end of winter and purification through fire, here reinterpreted with a devotional spirit and managed for years by the Pro Loco of Roccasecca.

The torchbearers' ritual

In recent years, the lighting ceremony has evolved into a collective choreography inspired by the Olympic flame. The fire does not come from a single source but converges from three braziers lit in symbolic locations across the territory: the torch is carried by bicycle by the MTB Bike Roccasecca athletes from the Church of Santa Maria Assunta allo Scalo; the Cavalieri del Monte Asprano (Knights of Mount Asprano) arrive on horseback from the bridge over the Melfa River; and athletes from the Polisportiva Fava run down from the Church of Saint Thomas on Mount Asprano. The three fires meet on Via Roma to ignite the main bonfire amidst the applause of the crowd.

Songs, poetry, and rustic cuisine

Around the flames, traditional songs dedicated to Thomas are performed by local choirs, alongside recitations of memory-filled poetry in both dialect and Italian. The evening continues with the free distribution of traditional local dishes:

• Tagliareglie e fasure, handmade pasta with beans, the quintessential humble dish of the Liri Valley;
• potatoes cooked in the bonfire ashes, served hot to attendees;
• wine and sweets offered by Pro Loco volunteers.

The cultural side: The Thomistic Philosophy Path

Alongside the popular festivities, Roccasecca has developed a significant cultural program over the years. Local students in medieval costume guide visitors and residents along the panels of the Thomistic Philosophy Path, illustrating the life and thought of the Angelic Doctor: an immersive educational experience that concludes with the awarding of a "local narrator" certificate.

The Sala San Tommaso hosts the annual Thomistic conference, where scholars and professors discuss themes from the Thomistic corpus, while the historical pageant and flag-wavers parade through the town center. To conclude the cycle, towards the end of the month, the «Terra di San Tommaso» choral festival brings choirs from across the region to Roccasecca.

Roccasecca and the Ciociaria

The village of Roccasecca lies beneath the ruins of the Counts of Aquino castle, in a panoramic position overlooking the Liri Valley and the Cassino area. Attending the celebrations is the perfect opportunity to discover this corner of the province of Frosinone, in southern Lazio: the historic churches, the sanctuary on Mount Asprano accessible on foot, and the Ciociara cuisine featuring fresh pasta, legumes, and extra virgin olive oil. Those arriving for the bonfire will find a town in celebration—free and open to all—where participation matters more than the spectacle.