Events

Set amongst the delightful scenery of Tuscia Lazio, in the heart of Italy, Acquapendente is a beautiful town, which annually hosts numerous artistic and popular events of great importance and interest.

Here is a list of the best events held in Acquapendente, from January to December:

January:

-“Sant’Antonio Abate”(St. Antonio Abate): traditional festivities in honour of St. Antonio on the 17th, with a blessing of animals and a parade through the streets of the town.

February:

-“Carnevale Acquesiano”(Acquesiano Carnival): a colourful local event with a float parade, as well as a wine tasting and typical local products.

March:

-“Festa di San Giuseppe”(Festival for St. Giuseppe): organized on the 19th, with games and music.

May:

-“Festa della Madonna del Fiore” (Festival of the Madonna del Fiore): a traditional religious event with a beautiful fair in the streets of the historic centre.

-“Pugnaloni”: held on the third Sunday, “i pugnaloni”are large designs depicting religious subjects made with flowers and leaves, displayed along the streets of the town.

July:

-“Birra Festival”(Beer Festival):an exciting event celebrating beer with musical shows and entertainment.

-“Cinema-teatro-musica”(Cinema-theatre-music): a very important summer culture event that never fails to draw a lot of attention and visitors to Acquapendente.

-“Festa del Gelato” (Ice-Cream Festival): held in Torre Alfina, a small district of Acquapendente, this festival offers visitors the chance to try the different types of delicious ice-cream produced locally.

-“Alfina Blue Festival”: an exciting musical event on the streets of the town.

August:

-“Viaggio nella civiltà Contadina ed Artigiana”(Journey to the Artisan and Peasant Civilizations): a fascinating festival that delves into the typical dishes and lifestyle of these ancient social groups through historic recreations, stories and demonstrations of the traditional art and occupations of the territory.

-“Festa di Sant’Ermete”(St. Ermete Festival): This festival, held on the 28th, celebrates the patron saint of the city with a delightful fair along the streets of the town.

-“Fiera di Sant’Ermete”(St. Ermete Fair): with a traditional game of tombola (Italian bingo) and fireworks.

-“Notte Bianca”(White Night): held on the 16th, it is a magical evening for both kids and adults with shows, musical entertainment and games.

September:

-“Scarpinata al Monte Rufino”(Trek to Rufino Mountain): an organized event with guided trekking excursions to the beautiful natural reserve of Monte Ruffino. Visitors are then treated to a lovely dinner made with local ingredients.

November:

-“Giornata provinciale del ringraziamento ad Acquapendente”(Provincial Day of Thanksgiving at Acquapendente): held on the 17th, with a solemn mass.

December:

-“Natale Acquesiano”(Acquesiano Christmas): a colourful and musical event to celebrate Christmas.

-“Concerto di Natale”(Christmas Concert): two exciting concerts on the 22nd and 26th, great for kids and adults alike.

Must see events:

-“Pugnaloni”: A traditional event held on the third Sunday of May, after the feast of Our Lady del Fiore, “pugnaloni” are large panels decorated with leaves and flower petals to depict sacred and religious figures.

During the feast, which actively involves the entire town, these large flower panels are judged and the most beautiful is awarded a prize.

Afterwards, all the panels that took part in the event are displayed for one year in the Town Cathedral.

The name “pugnalone” comes from the word “Pungolo” (to prod) and was previously used to describe an agricultural method and objects that were used in a procession in honor of Our Lady del Fiore.

Only in recent years has the word pugnaloni come to describe these decorated works of art created by the many citizens of Acquapendente who compete each year for victory and honour.

The history of this event is said to originate from an ancient and very interesting tale. The legend suggests that in the twelfth century, the city of Acquapendente was placed against its will, under the supervision of the barbarian Frederick Barbarossa.

One day the population courageously decided to rebel, managing to drive out the foreigners and destroy their castle.

The legend goes on to suggest that this heroic act was begun by two peasants who, while working in the fields, saw a beautiful cherry flower amongst the dry land and interpreted this as a symbol of the presence of the Madonna who would help them defeat the enemy, also indicating why today, this festival is held in honor of Our Lady.