September Festival – Patronal Feast of the Madonna del Ponte (La Nuttate)

The September Festival, the soul of Lanciano

The September Festival represents the most important patronal celebration in Lanciano, a city in the province of Chieti in the heart of the Frentano Abruzzo region. Dedicated to the Madonna del Ponte, the city's patron saint, it takes place every year from September 13th to 16th, transforming the historic center into a blend of popular devotion, lights, music, and ancient traditions. It is the most anticipated and identity-defining event on the Lanciano calendar, drawing thousands of people from across Abruzzo.

La Nuttate, the oldest white night

The most evocative moment is La Nuttate, the night vigil on September 13th: a celebration that lasts until dawn and is considered the oldest white night in Italy, with roots dating back to 1833. On that night, the streets of the center remain lively until late, with stalls, music, and the traditional fireworks display that illuminates the sky between September 13th and 14th. The illuminations set up along Corso Trento e Trieste and the main city arteries are an integral part of the festival's visual identity.

Il Dono and popular traditions

Among the most characteristic rituals is Il Dono, the procession of the districts bringing local produce as an offering, followed by an auction whose proceeds support the celebrations. The festive cycle actually begins in late August with the Sparo dei mortaretti (firing of the mortars) and the Novena, and continues with the historic Sant'Egidio Fair on August 31st, blending religious, commercial, and popular dimensions into one great collective story.

Concerts and shows in Piazza Plebiscito

Alongside tradition, the September Festival offers a rich program of free concerts every year in Piazza Plebiscito, the scenic heart of the city. Over the years, major names in Italian music have performed, alongside band music, theater, and comedy, balancing popular culture with contemporary entertainment.

A heritage of the Municipality of Lanciano

Organized by the September Festival Committee in collaboration with the Municipality of Lanciano, the celebrations are an intangible heritage of the Frentano community and the Abruzzo region. For visitors, they represent an authentic opportunity to discover the historic center of Lanciano, its alleys, the Basilica of the Madonna del Ponte, and a tradition that has remained unbroken for nearly two centuries.