San Giuseppe all'Aurelio Festival

A neighborhood festival in the heart of the Aurelio district

The San Giuseppe all'Aurelio Festival is the patronal feast of the parish of the same name, located in the Aurelio district of Rome, in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Lazio. Every year, around the liturgical solemnity of March 19th, the Via Giuseppe Marello community gathers around its patron saint with a series of events that combine religious devotion with the convivial and popular spirit typical of Roman neighborhood festivals.

This is not a massive tourist event, but an authentic local celebration: an occasion for the Aurelio district to rediscover its sense of community through prayers, songs, intergenerational meetings, and the final social gathering in the parish courtyard.

A young parish, an ancient devotion

The parish was established on June 19, 1961, and is entrusted to the Congregation of the Oblates of St. Joseph, founded by Saint Giuseppe Marello, to whom the street facing the church is also dedicated. The current building, completed in 1970 based on a design by architect Ildo Ivetta, features a central nave with side aisles and was designated a titular church in 1991 under the name "San Giuseppe all'Aurelio".

This dual heritage—the universal devotion to Saint Joseph, patron of the Church, and the Josephite charism of the Oblates—gives the festival a unique character: the Saint is celebrated not only as the spouse of Mary and guardian of Jesus, but also as a model of daily work, fatherhood, and silent service, themes that resonate throughout the homilies and preparation meetings.

The rhythm of the festival

The calendar traditionally opens with the Enthronement of the Saint, which officially marks the start of the preparations: the statue of Saint Joseph is placed in the presbytery, accompanying the community throughout the following days. This is followed by daily prayer sessions, celebrations for the solemnity of March 19th, and finally, the Sunday of the patronal feast itself.

The highlight is the solemn concelebrated mass in the afternoon, followed by the procession of the Saint's statue through the streets of the district and, upon returning, the courtyard party, featuring music, sweets, and moments of sharing for all ages.

A community that gets involved

The success of the festival is due to the numerous parish groups: the scouts, Caritas, youth ministry, choirs (including the Coro Fuego and the Coro Polifonico), catechists, and prayer groups. They are responsible for the decorations, liturgical animation, welcoming visitors, and organizing the social gatherings.

• Enthronement of the Saint: opening of the preparation period
• Days of prayer and celebrations in preparation for the solemnity
• March 19th: liturgical solemnity of Saint Joseph
• Festival Sunday: solemn concelebrated mass, procession, and courtyard party

Saint Joseph in Rome, a widespread devotion

March 19th is a deeply felt date throughout the Capital: from the "frittelle" and "bignè di San Giuseppe" (traditional fritters and cream puffs) that fill Roman pastry shops to the numerous local festivals that light up neighborhoods, from Trionfale to the historic suburbs. The Aurelio festival fits into this fabric of city traditions with its more intimate, parish-based dimension, offering an excellent opportunity to discover a side of Rome far from the tourist circuits, just a stone's throw from the Vatican and the Aurelian Walls.

Who it is for

The festival is open to everyone and completely free of charge. It is particularly suitable for families and those wishing to experience a moment of authentic neighborhood sociality. Visitors are welcome at both the religious celebrations and the courtyard party.