Sports Festival

Sports take to the streets

The Sports Festival has become one of the most anticipated events in September in Monte Porzio Catone, a town in the Castelli Romani area within the Metropolitan City of Rome, in the Lazio region. For an entire afternoon, the streets of the historic center, the main squares, and the municipal facilities are given over to sports enthusiasts: every local association sets up its own space, showcases its discipline, and invites the public to try it out firsthand. The result is a popular and inclusive event, where the competitive spirit gives way to intergenerational connection.

A proven formula

Originally launched as a day to promote physical activity, the event has grown year after year, reaching its ninth edition in 2025, held on Saturday, September 13th. The format remains true to its roots: it begins in the early afternoon and continues until evening, with no entry fee, allowing visitors to wander from stand to stand and sign up for free trials on the spot. The organization is managed by the Municipality of Monte Porzio Catone through the Department of Sports, in close collaboration with local sports clubs and the committees that organize the patronal festivities.

Featured disciplines

The range of activities is intentionally broad, ensuring that every child can find the sport that suits them best:

• Team sports: soccer, 5-a-side soccer, volleyball, and basketball, featuring exhibition matches and mini-tournaments;
• Skating and skateboarding: artistic skating performances and roller skating trials, which are very popular with younger audiences;
• Combat sports: martial arts and boxing, with a ring set up in the square for exhibition matches;
• Classic disciplines: fencing and athletics;
• Mind sports: chess, with tables open to everyone, and the classic foosball tournament held in local bars.

Festival venues

The event is spread throughout the town: the Raniero Colucci Sports Hall hosts indoor tournaments and skating performances, the Giolitti-Natangeli sports field hosts soccer matches, while Piazza Borghese, Piazza Porzio Catone, and Parco Gramsci host the association stands and outdoor trials. Walking from one point to another is part of the experience in a village that overlooks the Roman countryside from the heights of the Castelli Romani.

Guests and highlights

Each edition features special guests: in 2025, skater Gaspare Gentile, "King Gasp", and the Italian National Soccer Team of former Olympic athletes took the field at the Giolitti-Natangeli against a team from the new Rioni Tournament. The traditional jersey lottery is also a staple: over the years, official jerseys from Roma and Lazio have been raffled off, with tickets sold in local bars and the drawing held at the end of the day.

Part of the Saint Antoninus feast

The Sports Festival is not an isolated event: it is part of the extensive program of celebrations in honor of Saint Antoninus the Martyr, the patron saint of Monte Porzio Catone. Starting on September 2nd, the festivities span nearly two weeks, featuring processions, concerts, food stalls, dance evenings, and fireworks. The sports day usually takes place during the second weekend, just before the closing event, the Giro del Tuscolo, a historic cycling race that starts from Piazza Borghese. It is a quintessential local way of weaving together popular devotion, community social life, and local club activity.