Saint Zita Festival in Monsagrati Alto

A saint born in the hills of Pescaglia

Saint Zita is one of the most beloved figures in the Lucca tradition, but her origins lie in the hills of the Val Freddana: she was born in Monsagrati in 1218 into a poor family, and died in Lucca on April 27, 1278. The patron saint of domestic workers and revered as the «saint of flowers», she is remembered for her charity and simplicity. In Monsagrati Alto, a small hamlet in the Municipality of Pescaglia (province of Lucca, Tuscany), an oratory stands on the site of her birthplace and serves as the spiritual heart of the festival the village dedicates to her every year.

A festival between devotion and community

The Saint Zita Festival in Monsagrati Alto is an authentic patronal feast, far from the crowded celebrations of Lucca's historic center. Here, the day begins with the religious dimension—masses and the procession carrying the saint's statue to the oratory—and continues with popular festivities in Piazza della Pieve, in front of the church. The entire community gathers: in recent years, the festival has seen the participation of municipal authorities, local associations, and a large number of residents, a sign of how deeply rooted the anniversary is in the village's identity.

The market, entertainment, and the band

Alongside religious celebrations, the festival offers a program designed for all ages. The main day features an artisan and local produce market in Piazza della Pieve, entertainment and games for children in the afternoon, and a brass band concert in the late afternoon, following the mass. In past years, musical accompaniment has been provided by the Banda di Segromigno Alto, while the local «Il Barbagianni» tavern has hosted the convivial side of the event. It is the perfect opportunity to discover a little-known corner of Tuscany, nestled in the hills separating Lucca from the Garfagnana.

A bond linking Pescaglia and Lucca

The Monsagrati Alto festival is part of a broader calendar of celebrations that, around April 27th, also involves the Basilica of San Frediano in Lucca, where the saint's body rests. The parish priest of Monsagrati, Saint Zita's birthplace, participates in the Lucca celebrations, testifying to the historical and spiritual bond linking the Pescaglia village to the city. For those visiting Tuscany in spring, the Saint Zita Festival in Monsagrati Alto is an intimate and genuine experience, offering a glimpse into popular faith and the life of a small village.