Events

Located on the shores of the lovely Bolsena Lake, lies the town of Marta. A charming town, Marta annually hosts various pleasant and interesting events and festivals, celebrating their traditions and history.

Here is a list of the main events held in Marta, in chronological order:

January:

-“Festa di Sant’Antonio Abate”(Festival of St. Antonio Abate): animal benediction and a traditional barbecue in honour of the Saint.

April:

-“Festa della Madonna del Castagno”(Festival of the Madonna of the Chestnut): beautiful religious celebrations held on the 25th.

May:

-“Sagra del Lattarino”(Festival of the Lattarino): a traditional gastronomic event, dedicated to the latterino, a tiny lake fish similar to whitebait and local to the area.

-“Festa delle Passate o Barabbata”: a wonderful insight into the ancient celebrations of the fertility of the ground. Held on the 14th, in honour of the Madonna del Monte, it is a fantastic event that recreates the beautiful and unique history and customs of the area.

July:

-“Festa della Cannaiola”(Cannaiola Festival): a traditional gastronomic fair celebrating the Cannaiola, a high quality wine produced locally.

-“Piccolo Borgo in festa”(Small Village in Festival): a wonderful art and handicraft fair.

August:

-“Regata Storica”(Historic Regatta): an exciting recreation of a historic regatta with traditional boats and costumes, held on the waters of Bolsena Lake

Must see events:

“Festa delle Passate o Barabbata”: Perhaps the most awaited and important event held in the small town of Marta, this festival takes place on the 14th of May and celebrates the Madonna del Monte, a religious figure of  great importance to the town and its citizens.

On the day before 14th, there is a beautiful and colourful procession and a wonderful  mass in honor of Vespri.

On the night of the 13th the entire town bands together to decorate the streets and organize the striking floats that will be used the next day during the parade.

On the morning of the 14th, a drum roll greets dawn before a fantastic chorus of bells, gunfire, songs and religious hymns fill the town.

During the day there is a parade, that traditionally involved only men. Today  the procession is divided into 4 distinct categories, beginning with the “Gentlemen”, then representatives of the districts and finally the citizens of town; making this festival a fantastically fun day out, filled with colour and music, as well as great food and entertainment.