Discovering the Traditions of Fiumicino: Unmissable Festivals and Celebrations
Discovering local traditions is one of the most fascinating ways to immerse yourself in the culture of a place like Fiumicino. Our small fishing village offers a rich variety of festivals and celebrations that reflect its long history. From ancient religious festivities to lively food festivals, each event represents a unique opportunity to connect with local customs and experience unforgettable moments during your stay at our B&B near the airport.
In this article, we will explore the most captivating traditions of Fiumicino, from the patronal celebrations that light up the streets with colors and music to the festivals that delight palates with the genuine flavors of Roman cuisine. Get ready to discover a side of Fiumicino that goes beyond its breathtaking views, diving into the beating heart of its most authentic traditions.
Religious Festivals in Fiumicino: From St. George to the Madonna Fiumarola
The calendar of religious events begins with the feast of St. George, the patron saint of Maccarese, to whom the beautiful 18th-century castle dominating the small village in the countryside of Fiumicino is dedicated.
The celebrations usually take place on the weekend following April 23. After the solemn Mass, a grand procession winds through the streets of the town, triumphantly carrying the statue of the Saint.
This is followed by a series of side events that include shows, exhibitions, musical performances, markets, and games for children. The streets of the center fill with devotees and curious visitors, creating an atmosphere of devotion and festivity.
Equally significant is the Feast of the Madonna del Carmine, celebrated in mid-July, which brings together the inhabitants of Fiumicino and the Trastevere district of Rome in a great collective rite of popular devotion.
The highlight of the celebration is the solemn river procession: after the Mass in the church of Santa Maria Porto della Salute, the sacred image of the Madonna del Carmine is boarded onto a rubber dinghy that sails up the Tiber River.
This fascinating tradition has ancient origins rooted in a legend.
According to tradition, in 1535, some sailors from Corsica found a statue of the Virgin carved in cedar wood at the mouth of the Tiber, having been washed ashore by a storm. This is why the Madonna del Carmine is also called Madonna Fiumarola.
Equally evocative is the sea procession that characterizes the Feast of the Assumption (August 15), celebrating the patroness of Fiumicino. On this occasion, thousands of faithful and visitors crowd along the canal port to witness the ceremony, which includes the casting of a laurel wreath offshore in honor of all those who have lost their lives at sea.
This event, in addition to representing a moment of intense spirituality, is also an opportunity to enjoy the summer together, with events often extending into the late evening.
Traditional Festivals and Celebrations in Fiumicino
In addition to religious festivals, Fiumicino is renowned for a series of celebrations that highlight its rich maritime and gastronomic traditions, offering moments of pure fun and delight for the palate.
Masks and Parades: Fiumicino’s Carnevale a Mare
Carnevale a Mare is one of the most anticipated events of the year, characterized by an explosion of colors and joy through the streets of Borgo Valadier, the historic center of Fiumicino.
Organized by the Pro Loco of Fiumicino for over thirty years, this unique event features floats parading along the main streets, while masked groups enliven the festival with dances and performances amidst a profusion of music, streamers, and confetti.
Fiumicino also has its own “mask,” created by artist Brunella Nonnato in 2010: Saltafiume, a colorful character with a hat shaped like the city’s Old Lighthouse and a fishing net as a cloak. His costume is decorated with elements that reference the territory and its history: a blue stripe represents the river, a yellow spike refers to the agricultural tradition, while the red profile of a medieval tower evokes the great past from which we come.
Saltsfiume – picture by ilfaroonline.it
Authentic Flavors of the Territory: The Sagra della Tellina and the Sagra del Pesce
The Sagra della Tellina is a perfect opportunity to discover the authentic flavors of Fiumicino and spend a summer evening enjoying good food and conviviality. This unmissable event for food lovers takes place during the first weekend of June in the main squares of Passoscuro, where attractions of all kinds are set up for both adults and children.
The undisputed star of the three days is the tellina, to be savored in the most classic and traditional recipe, capable of bringing out all the taste of the sea: spaghetti with tellinas.
But the ultimate gastronomic event in our area is the Sagra del Pesce, born in 1970 by the will of some fishermen who wanted to honor and promote the town’s origins and its productive activities. During the festival, a giant pan sizzles with oil used to prepare 25 quintals of fried seafood for visitors. There are squid, calamari, shrimp, paranza, mussels, treasures fished along our coasts, part of a menu that lovingly celebrates local products.
The Sagra del Pesce is a true tribute to the richness of the sea and the skill of local fishermen, offering visitors a complete culinary and cultural experience.
