San Rocco Festival

The San Rocco Festival in Pejo Paese

Every year, on August 15th and 16th, the small village of Pejo Paese, in the Municipality of Peio (province of Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige), celebrates the San Rocco Festival. It is one of the most heartfelt votive festivals in the Val di Pejo, nestled in the heart of the Stelvio National Park, in the Val di Sole. The event combines religious devotion with mountain conviviality, bringing together residents, vacationers, and hikers around the charming little church of San Rocco.

An ancient vow against the plague

The festival has its roots in a popular vow made by the inhabitants of Pejo to eradicate a terrible epidemic. The small church of San Rocco, which stands isolated at an altitude of approximately 1,600 meters on a hill above the village, was likely built following a plague epidemic that struck the area at the end of the 15th century and was consecrated in 1500. During the 17th century, the building was expanded with a larger nave, while the cult of the saint—traditionally invoked as a protector against the plague—was further strengthened. Since then, every August 16th, the community renews the ancient vow with a Holy Mass in honor of San Rocco.

The festival program

The festival takes place over two days during the mid-August holiday:

• August 15th: A traditional lunch at the Pejo Paese sports field, a moment of gathering for the community and guests.
• August 16th: At 10:00 AM, the procession departs from the church of Pejo Paese towards the small church of San Rocco; at 10:30 AM, Holy Mass is celebrated, accompanied by the Coro Genzianella; at noon, another traditional lunch is held at the sports field, followed by musical entertainment.

Solidarity and tradition

The San Rocco Festival is not just a devotional appointment: the proceeds from the lunches are traditionally donated to missionaries, in a spirit of solidarity that has always accompanied the event. The organization is managed by the Consorzio Turistico Pejo 3000 with the essential support of the volunteers from the Peio community. Between the genuine flavors of mountain cuisine, sacred chants, and the backdrop of the Dolomites, the festival represents an authentic opportunity to experience the popular traditions of the Val di Pejo.