Sant'Ubaldo Patronal Feast

The patronal feast at the foot of the Majella

The Sant'Ubaldo Patronal Feast is the most significant event for Taranta Peligna, a village of fewer than four hundred inhabitants perched at an altitude of 460 meters in the Province of Chieti, Abruzzo. Located along the upper Aventino valley on the eastern slopes of the Majella massif, the community gathers every May 16th to honor its patron saint, Sant'Ubaldo of Gubbio, in a day that blends religious devotion with local celebration.

Who was Sant'Ubaldo?

Sant'Ubaldo Baldassini was the Bishop of Gubbio in the 12th century. He is remembered not only as an exemplary shepherd but also for defending his city during a tumultuous time, saving it from the sacking by Frederick Barbarossa. In Gubbio, Umbria, he is celebrated with the world-famous Ceri Festival; in Taranta Peligna, his legacy is held with a more intimate, village-style devotion rooted in the history of this mountain community.

A day of faith and community

The heart of the feast is the liturgical celebration at the Church of San Nicola di Bari, the village parish church perched above the Aventino river, with origins dating back to before 1300. The solemn mass is followed by a procession carrying the saint's statue through the historic center, accompanied by the faithful. In the afternoon, the event turns into a community gathering in the main square—a time when the village comes alive as many former residents return to their native home for this special date.

Taranta Peligna: craftsmanship and nature

The Sant'Ubaldo feast is part of a vibrant calendar of traditions in Taranta Peligna. The village has a historical connection to wool processing and its famous blankets, a craft that has also left its mark on local devotions: the ritual of panicelle, small sacred breads, is dedicated to Saint Blaise, the patron of wool workers and carders. The surrounding area offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in the Majella National Park, including the Taranta Valley—a deep gorge carving seven kilometers into the massif—and the Grotta del Cavallone, one of the highest accessible caves in Europe. Visitors arriving for the patronal feast will find not only religious devotion but an entire mountain territory waiting to be explored.

Free admission

The Sant'Ubaldo Patronal Feast offers free admission and is promoted by the Municipality of Taranta Peligna in collaboration with the local parish. It is an event designed for the entire community, welcoming visitors and curious travelers who wish to experience one of the most authentic religious festivals in the Abruzzo mountains.