The feast of St. Anthony Abbot is celebrated on January 17, and is a holiday linked to popular and religious tradition. St. Anthony Abbot is considered the protector of animals and the countryside. In many places in Italy, such as Sardinia, Tuscia, and Pisa, the feast is marked by ritual bonfires, processions, and the blessing of animals. It is also a time of conviviality, with music, dancing and tastings of typical products.
According to myth, St. Anthony stole fire from the Underworld to give it to humans, bringing warmth and light. This gesture symbolically links him to fire and its celebration.
Here are some events in Lazio for this holiday:
Oriolo Romano
The Parish of St. George and the Confraternity of St. George of Oriolo Romano celebrate St. Anthony Abbot from January 17 to 19, 2025 with a mix of religious and festive events:
- Jan. 17: Beginning of liturgical celebrations at 4:30 p.m.
- Jan. 18: Children’s costume party at the Oratory, in conjunction with Carnival
- Jan. 19: Main day with bell ringing, religious commemorations, blessing of animals at 11:45 a.m., procession and social lunch at 1 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Convent.
Post
The Feast of St. Anthony Abbot in Posta, organized by the Confraternity of St. Anthony, takes place Jan. 17-19, 2025 and celebrates tradition, faith and gastronomy.
Highlights:
- Parade of sticks: Oxen and horses drag large logs, accompanied by the brass band
- Fire in the Square: A large symbolic bonfire around which dancing evenings are held
- Food festival: Tasting of typical dishes such as polenta, zampitti (pork shanks), barbecued sausages and mulled wine
- Religious events: Holy Mass, procession with the statue of the saint and blessing of animals
- Entertainment: Folk games, music and dancing enliven the village during the afternoons and evenings
Velletri
The Feast of St. Anthony Abbot in Velletri will take place on January 18 and 19, 2025, combining tradition, faith and conviviality. Among the main events:
- Parades and historical re-enactments: Gathering of knights in historical costume, ride through the city streets and parade of harnessed horses, accompanied by groups of flag-wavers and musicians
- Polenta Festival: Tenth edition of the festival with local polenta, Velletran donuts, wine and the traditional favata of St. Anthony
- Religious events: Liturgical celebrations in the church dedicated to the saint and blessing of animals
- Entertainment: Shows for children, exhibitions of local crafts and live music
Nepi
In Nepi, the celebration of St. Anthony Abbot and the opening of the Nepesine Carnival will be celebrated on January 18 and 19, 2025.
Saturday, Jan. 18:
- Start of the XLIV Agricultural and Industrial Machinery Fair.
- Lighting of the traditional “Focarone,” a large bonfire about nine meters high
Sunday, January 19:
- 83rd Nepesino Carnival Gala Course, with floats, masked groups, marching bands and folkloric bands
Morlupo
Morlupo celebrates the traditional Feast of St. Anthony Abbot on January 18 and 19, 2025, with religious, cultural and folkloric events dedicated to animals and the community.
Saturday, Jan. 18:
- 5:45 p.m.: Procession followed by the Historical Procession and Drummers.
- Blessing of the great bonfire, symbol of purification and protection
- Convivial evening with the traditional “Pulentata with trimmings and sausages”
Sunday, January 19:
- 12:15 p.m.: Blessing of the animals in John XXIII Square
- Afternoon: “Dogs for Oscar” dog beauty pageant in Armando Diaz Square
Montalto di Castro
On Jan. 18 and 19, 2025, Montalto di Castro and the seaside hamlet of Pescia Romana will hold traditional celebrations in honor of St. Anthony Abbot. Here is the program.
- Lighting of the fire: Symbol of purification and protection
- Blessing of the animals: Celebration of the patron saint of animals
- Parade of the animals: Parade through the streets of the town accompanied by the Band Corps of Montalto di Castro
- Walks by the sea: Moments dedicated to nature and relaxation
- Breakfast of the Buttero: Organized by the Archconfraternity of the Gonfalone of Santa Croce, with typical products
Viterbo
On Sunday, January 19, 2025, Viterbo will celebrate the traditional Feast of St. Anthony Abbot with a series of events dedicated to animals and the community.
Main program:
- 11:00 a.m.: Departure of the majestic horse parade from the parking lot in Via San Paolo
- 11:30 a.m.: Parade of animals from St. Faustino Square, accompanied by the Band Corps, along the streets of the historic center
- 12:15 p.m.: Blessing of the animals at the Church of the Holy Trinity
The event also includes a solidarity campaign with collection of food and blankets for animals in need, promoted by local associations. A day that combines tradition, spirituality and concern for animal welfare.