Villa Marchesa Village Festival (Feast of Saint Anthony of Padua)

A village celebration in the heart of Val Vibrata

The Villa Marchesa Village Festival is one of the most cherished summer events in the Abruzzo region, held in the hamlet of Villa Marchesa, Sant'Egidio alla Vibrata, in the province of Teramo. Established in 2005, the festival takes place annually in mid-June to coincide with the feast of the local patron saint, Saint Anthony of Padua, transforming the small village for six days into a vibrant meeting place for residents, friends, and visitors from across the Val Vibrata area.

Abruzzese gastronomy and conviviality

The heart of the festival is its food and wine offering: the stalls serve the most exquisite local traditional specialties, paired with quality wine and beer. Dishes that have made the festival famous over the years include arrosticini, truffle gnocchi, mezze maniche alla pecorara, pork chops, fried dough with prosciutto, sausage sandwiches with fried cheese, olives, and fries. As the organizers love to remind us, it is the perfect opportunity to pause from the hectic pace of daily life and rediscover the pleasure of chatting with friends and neighbors over a delicious meal.

Music, dance, and religious tradition

Each evening features live musical performances of various genres, dance orchestras, cover bands, and showcases by local dance schools. The highlight is the day dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua on June 13th, featuring Holy Mass, a procession accompanied by a marching band, and traditional fireworks that light up the village sky.

An event with a charitable heart

The festival is organized by the Associazione Progetto Futuro Insieme O.D.V., which donates the event's proceeds to fund the numerous social activities and initiatives it carries out throughout the year. Attending the Villa Marchesa Festival means experiencing an authentic Abruzzese village celebration while supporting a local volunteer organization.