Traditions Festival

A festival uniting two rural traditions

The Traditions Festival is the youngest and most original event in the summer calendar of Palestrina, a town in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, in the Lazio region, famous for the Sanctuary of Fortuna Primigenia and its ancient history. Founded in 2025 on the initiative of the Municipality of Palestrina, the festival stems from a cultural twinning with San Antonio de Areco, the Argentine city considered the capital of gaucho culture, where the historic Fiesta de la Tradición is celebrated every year.

The concept is simple yet powerful: to bring together two farming civilizations that, despite being separated by an ocean, share the same values—the land, hard work, hospitality, and above all, the daily relationship with the horse. On one side, the gauchos of the Argentine pampas; on the other, the butteri of the Lazio countryside, guardians of an equestrian tradition rooted in transhumance and the agro-pastoral life of the Roman countryside.

Casale Sant'Antonio, the heart of the event

Everything revolves around Casale Sant'Antonio, an estate nestled in the Prenestini countryside that transforms into a large traditional village for an entire weekend. Paddocks, arenas, stables, and open spaces host horses and riders, while stalls and long tables welcome the public. It is an informal and family-friendly setting, far from a typical sporting event: here, you watch, taste, chat with the riders, and dance until late in the evening.

What to expect

• Equestrian shows and demonstrations of traditional Italian and Argentine horsemanship;
• the Grand Cavalcade, a horseback parade through the countryside featuring various riders and breeds in honor of Saint Anthony;
• the equestrian tournament and presentation of stallions;
• guided horseback excursions open to enthusiasts and "saddle baptisms" for children;
• live folk music, traditional dances, and gala evenings;
• craft stalls related to the equestrian world: saddles, leather goods, and traditional craftsmanship;
• typical Italian and Argentine cuisine, with grilled meat as the star;
• the fireworks display that closes the festival.

The bond with Saint Anthony

The event opens with a religious feast in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua, featuring a procession through the historic center of Palestrina, which, in the first edition, was attended by the Confraternity of San Antonio de Areco from Argentina. The saint, deeply beloved in the popular devotion of Lazio, acts as a bridge between the two communities and gives his name to the farmhouse hosting the festival.

Why it's worth the trip

Palestrina is about forty kilometers from Rome and is one of the most interesting destinations in the Prenestini Mountains: the National Archaeological Museum of Palestrina with its famous Nile mosaic, the terraced historic center, and the panoramic views over the Sacco Valley. Combining a visit to the Traditions Festival means discovering a less touristy and more authentic side of the region—the Roman countryside and its ancient trades—in a day that blends culture, entertainment, and good food. It is an event particularly well-suited for families and horse lovers.

A project supported by the local area

The first edition was approved as an official project by the municipal administration, which also sought the support of the Presidency of the Lazio Regional Council. The festival is part of the Estate Prenestina (Prenestini Summer) program, a series of concerts, festivals, and socio-cultural events organized annually in collaboration with local associations.