San Tommaso Apostolo Patronal Feast (Infernetto)

A neighborhood festival in southern Rome

In Infernetto, a residential neighborhood in Rome's 10th Municipality located between Casal Palocco, Castel Fusano, and the Ostia coast, the San Tommaso Apostolo patronal feast is the event that most defines the community's identity. The liturgical calendar sets the apostle's feast day on July 3rd: around this date, the parish on Via Lino Liviabella organizes several days of religious celebrations and popular activities open to everyone, believers and non-believers alike.

This is not a massive city-wide event; rather, it is a local celebration where neighbors meet, local youth perform live music, and proceeds support the community's charitable works. This intimate, family-friendly dimension makes it an interesting stop for those wishing to experience the side of Rome that exists outside the historic center, in the maritime suburbs of the Province of Rome, in the Lazio region.

The religious heart: solemn mass and procession

The central moment remains the liturgy. On the feast day, a solemn mass is celebrated in the parish church, often presided over by a bishop from the Diocese of Rome, followed by a procession with the statue of San Tommaso that winds through the neighborhood streets, accompanied by hymns, prayers, and the participation of parish groups. Upon returning, the community gathers for the traditional charity community dinner in the parish's outdoor spaces.

The church hosting the celebrations is relatively young: the parish was established in 1964, while the current building was consecrated in 2013 and is now one of the architectural and social landmarks of Infernetto.

Evenings: music, shows, and stalls

Alongside the religious aspect, the festival evenings have always offered a lighthearted and popular program. Past editions have featured:

• concerts by local bands and parish youth;
• cabaret shows and comedy entertainment;
• evenings of Roman music and Italian and international hits;
• community tournaments and games, such as the burraco championship;
• a charity raffle draw and a final fireworks display;
• food stalls and a solidarity market in the church square.

It is a well-established format that repeats year after year with varying names and formulas: the detailed program is usually released only a few weeks in advance via the flyer published on the parish's social media channels.

When to go and what to expect

The festival is generally concentrated on a weekend in early July, with the addition of the July 3rd liturgical day when it falls on a weekday. Evenings begin after sunset, when the Roman heat subsides and the parish square fills with families, children, and teenagers.

Access to celebrations and shows is free; you only pay for food, the market, and raffle tickets, with proceeds supporting the parish's charitable works, from the local Caritas to youth activities.

Surroundings: the coast and the pine forest

Visitors coming from outside the area can easily combine the festival with a day on the Roman coast: the Castel Fusano pine forest, the Ostia seafront, and the Ostia Antica archaeological site are all just a few kilometers away. It is a simple way to combine an archaeological walk or a day at the beach with an evening of authentic Roman popular celebration.