San Giacomo Festival

A patronal feast in the heart of Abruzzo

The San Giacomo Festival is the patronal celebration of the San Giacomo district, a hamlet of the town of Scerni, in the province of Chieti, within the Abruzzo region's Vastese area. Every year, on July 25th, the community gathers around the figure of Saint James the Apostle, the district's patron saint, for a day that weaves together faith, tradition, and conviviality. It is one of the most authentic celebrations on Scerni's summer calendar, drawing not only locals but also the many holidaymakers who populate this corner of Abruzzo during the summer months.

The district and its church

The heart of the festivities is the Church of San Giacomo Apostolo, which gives its name to the entire district. The building has ancient origins linked to a spring dedicated to Saint Angelo: it began as a small hermitage chapel and was restored several times over the centuries. The church was expanded after being elevated to a parish in 1951, with the new structure completed in 1952. Surrounding the building is the Fonte Sant'Angelo green area, which hosts most of the festival's activities.

Between devotion and joy

The festival maintains its religious dimension with celebrations in honor of Saint James the Apostle, while also offering an entertainment program designed for all ages. For the 2026 edition, the evening of July 25th features a free concert by the singer-songwriter Paolo Vallesi, one of the most well-known voices in Italian songwriting. Around the stage, you will find:

• food stalls serving the typical flavors of Abruzzo cuisine;
• a funfair and games for children;
• moments of music, entertainment, and conviviality that continue late into the evening.

Part of the Scerni Summer

The San Giacomo Festival is part of the rich Scerni Summer program, a series of summer events promoted by the Scerni municipal administration in collaboration with local committees, associations, volunteers, and the local Pro Loco. It is a calendar that, between late June and August, celebrates music, traditions, flavors, and the slow tourism of this village in the Vastese area of Abruzzo.

Why attend

Those seeking the authenticity of village festivals will find the San Giacomo Festival a genuine experience: the intimate atmosphere of a district, devotion to the patron saint, good Abruzzo cuisine, and free live music. It is a simple and joyful way to discover Scerni and its province in the height of summer.