Sant'Egidio Patronal Feast
The patronal feast of Civitaquana, blending religious devotion with vibrant evenings in the piazza
About Sant'Egidio Feast
The patron saint of Civitaquana
The Sant'Egidio Patronal Feast is the most cherished event of the year in Civitaquana, a small town in the hinterland of the Province of Pescara, Abruzzo, nestled at an altitude of about 550 meters among hills overlooking the Gran Sasso and Maiella mountains. Saint Giles (Sant'Egidio Abate), whose liturgical feast day falls on September 1st, is the protector of the village, and his feast has always marked the end of summer, when the town fills with residents and visitors returning for the occasion.
Between religious rites and popular celebration
True to the tradition of Abruzzese patronal feasts, the event has a dual nature. On one hand, the religious dimension, with Eucharistic celebrations and the procession of the saint's statue through the historic center, accompanied by a brass band and the faithful. On the other, the secular and popular dimension, which transforms Piazza Umberto I into an open-air stage for concerts, entertainment, and dance evenings, complete with traditional food stalls and a fireworks display to close the festivities.
Evenings in the piazza
In recent years, the Festival Committee has succeeded in bringing names to Civitaquana capable of attracting audiences from the entire region: the 2025 edition featured a concert by Cristina D'Avena, the voice behind the most famous cartoon theme songs, who performed in Piazza Umberto I in a free-entry event. This confirms how, even in a small town, the patronal feast remains an occasion of great participation and strong community identity.
A village with ancient roots
Those visiting Civitaquana for the feast can discover a town with ancient origins—attested as early as 883 as Civitas Quana, the "city of waters"—with the 18th-century atmosphere of its narrow streets, the medieval Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the Church of San Rocco, and the Palazzo Leognani-Fieramosca. The patronal feast is thus also an opportunity to rediscover this authentic and off-the-beaten-path corner of inland Abruzzo.
Sant'Egidio Feast — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Sant'Egidio Patronal Feast in Civitaquana is announced as the usual early September appointment, coinciding with the liturgical feast of the patron saint (September 1st). The organization is entrusted to the Parish Festival Committee of Civitaquana.
The program will follow the traditional structure of the feast: religious celebrations and the procession of the saint's statue through the streets of the center, accompanied by secular events with shows and concerts in Piazza Umberto I, food stalls, and a final fireworks display.
At the moment, the precise dates and the artistic lineup for the 2026 edition have not yet been published: the Festival Committee usually communicates the program in the weeks preceding the event.
Prices Sant'Egidio Feast 2026
Practical information — Sant'Egidio Feast
Location
The heart of the secular festivities is Piazza Umberto I, in the center of Civitaquana (PE). Religious celebrations and the procession take place between the parish church and the village streets.
How to get there
By car: Civitaquana is accessible from the A25 motorway (Alanno-Scafa or Torre de' Passeri exits) and from the provincial roads of the Pescara hinterland; it is about 40 km from Pescara. The nearest train station is Scafa/Torre de' Passeri, on the Pescara-Sulmona line.
When
The feast is traditionally held around September 1st, the liturgical day of Saint Giles. Dates and the detailed program for the 2026 edition are announced by the Parish Festival Committee in the weeks leading up to the event.
Admission
Events in the piazza are generally free of charge.
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Where does it take place — Sant'Egidio Feast
Piazza Umberto I
Piazza Umberto I, 65010 Civitaquana