St. John's Night

The most magical night of the Abruzzo summer

In the heart of the Pescara Valley, the village of Tocco da Casauria (in the province of Pescara, Abruzzo) celebrates one of the most evocative traditions of the popular calendar every year: St. John's Night. Linked to the summer solstice and the feast of the saint on June 24th, this night has always been considered in Abruzzo a suspended, miraculous time, hovering between the sacred and the magical. The event is organized by the Pro Loco Casauria APS, marking the first major highlight of the summer season in Piazza Domenico Stromei, in the town center.

The rite of commaranza

The most iconic moment of the evening is the renewal of the commaranza (or godparenting pact): an ancient propitiatory rite where people exchange small bouquets of fresh flowers and wheat stalks, sealing bonds of friendship and good wishes for the year to come. It is a simple yet profound gesture, passed down through generations, rooted in peasant beliefs linked to sacred dew and the beginning of the harvest season. In Tocco da Casauria, this rite comes to life every year, returning an authentic piece of collective memory to the community.

Flavors and music in the square

Beyond its ritual dimension, St. John's Night is, above all, a great village festival. The food and wine stalls offer golden fried pizzas and authentic Abruzzese arrosticini, cooked to perfection on the traditional charcoal grill. The evening continues with open-air ballroom dancing, featuring popular rhythms and songs that animate the square until late at night, concluding with a refreshing beer. A blend of tradition, taste, and conviviality that attracts locals and visitors from across the valley every June.

An event by Pro Loco Casauria

The event features free admission and is now a well-established tradition in the "Il Tocco d'Estate" program. It also represents a perfect opportunity to discover Tocco da Casauria, a village known for its olive oil, wines, and proximity to the Abbey of San Clemente a Casauria, one of the Romanesque jewels of Abruzzo.