Sant'Andonije de jennare (Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot)

The Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Colledimezzo

Every year, around January 17th, the small village of Colledimezzo in the province of Chieti celebrates the Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot, locally known in dialect as "Sant'Andonije de jennare". It is one of the oldest and most heartfelt traditions in the Abruzzo agricultural calendar, symbolically marking the start of the farming year and the beginning of the Carnival season. The festival is organized by the Pro Loco of Colledimezzo, which has long been dedicated to preserving and passing down the rituals associated with the patron saint of animals and the rural world.

The Patron Saint of Animals and Fire

For centuries, Saint Anthony the Abbot has been the patron of domestic animals and farming life. Throughout the inland Abruzzo region, and particularly in the Val di Sangro, his feast is tied to two recurring elements: fire, a symbol of purification and the triumph of good over temptation, and the blessing of the animals, which was traditionally invoked to protect stables and livestock from disease. In Colledimezzo, these rituals intertwine with popular devotion and the community life of a village with just over five hundred inhabitants, perched on Colle Castellano between Monte Butino and Monte Rinello.

"Lu Sandandonije": The Folk Performance

One of the most characteristic moments is the folk performance of Saint Anthony, also documented by the local Pro Loco. In many towns across the provinces of Chieti and Pescara, groups of amateur actors and musicians perform "lu Sandandonije," depicting the saint's victorious struggle against the temptations of the devil, with tones ranging from solemn to humorous. It is an itinerant, communal theatrical tradition that blends faith, song, and conviviality, representing one of the most vibrant expressions of folklore in the Val di Sangro.

Traditional Flavors

• Typical dishes from Saint Anthony's Day, rooted in the farming culture of the Sangro and Marsica areas, such as boiled corn sautéed with oil and chili pepper
• Local products and traditional sweets, shared in a festive, communal atmosphere
• Wine and local flavors, which take center stage during the social gatherings around the bonfire

An Authentic Village on Lake Bomba

The festival is also a perfect opportunity to discover Colledimezzo, a village overlooking Lake Bomba in the heart of the Val di Sangro. Founded around the 10th century on ancient settlements, the town preserves its historic center around the Church of San Giovanni Apostolo ed Evangelista. Experiencing "Sant'Andonije de jennare" means immersing yourself in the atmosphere of an authentic Abruzzo, where religious and rural traditions remain the heart of community life.