Gallese, the Feast of Saint Famian
WHEN A VILLAGE RENEWS ITS MEMORY
Every year, in early August, Gallese celebrates Saint Famian, the town’s patron saint, through one of the most deeply rooted traditions of the Tuscia region.
A celebration that has united faith, tradition and identity for centuries, transforming the historic centre into a place where memory continues to live.
Among the most evocative moments are the procession accompanying the Saint’s statue from the Co-Cathedral to the Basilica of Saint Famian, and the traditional Bengalata, a spectacular cascade of sparks that illuminates the medieval walls and has become one of the defining symbols of the celebration.
The festivities continue with the Historical Parade, the Zitelle, young women dressed in Renaissance costumes, and the Race to the Star, historical reenactments that reflect the deep bond between Gallese and its past, keeping centuries-old traditions alive.
The Feast of Saint Famian remains one of the most significant expressions of Gallese’s identity, where history, spirituality and a strong sense of belonging come together, revealing the authentic character of a village that proudly preserves its heritage.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. Bearers lift the statue of Saint Famian in preparation for the procession.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. The statue of Saint Famian before the Bengalata, the traditional cascade of sparks illuminating the medieval walls.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. Young bearers lift the carrying poles during preparations for the procession of Saint Famian.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. The bearers prepare for the procession of Saint Famian, helping one another adjust their traditional attire.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. The bearers at the end of the procession, inside the Basilica of Saint Famian.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. The reliquary of Saint Famian inside the basilica dedicated to the patron saint of Gallese.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italia. I portatori raccolti in preghiera rendono omaggio alla statua di San Famiano. Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. The bearers gather in prayer before the statue of Saint Famian, paying homage to the patron saint.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. The bearers pay homage to the statue of Saint Famian after its return to the Basilica.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. The bearers pause in contemplation before the statue of Saint Famian, returned to the Basilica at the end of the procession.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. The bearers carry the statue of Saint Famian from the Basilica towards the village walls, where the traditional Bengalata will take place.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. The Basilica of Saint Famian at dusk, before the procession.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. The statue of Saint Famian carried in procession by the bearers.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. Fireworks accompany the passage of the statue of Saint Famian.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. Residents wait for the procession to pass through the historic centre.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. The bearers leave the Co-Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta carrying the statue of Saint Famian.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. The bearers carry the statue of Saint Famian through the village’s only gateway.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. The procession of Saint Famian passes along the village walls.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. Residents wait for the procession to pass through the historic centre.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. A woman attends the celebrations of Saint Famian inside the basilica.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. Fireworks light up the sky as the statue of Saint Famian passes.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. The crowd follows the celebrations of Saint Famian along the procession route.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. Young worshippers carry the reliquary of Saint Famian.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. Bearers gather inside the Co-Cathedral before accompanying the statue of Saint Famian.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy The statue of Saint Famian is carried through the streets of the historic centre.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. A member of the Confraternity of Saint Famian holds the confraternity's banner.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. The Bersaglieri brass band marches through the village streets during the celebrations.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. Musicians from the Bersaglieri brass band during a break.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. A young girl watches the marching band pass from her doorway.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. The Bersaglieri brass band marches through the streets of the historic centre.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. The Bersaglieri brass band accompanies the celebrations through the village streets.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. An elderly resident watches the brass band pass through the historic centre.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. The Bersaglieri brass band during the celebrations in the village.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. A marching band makes its way through the streets of the historic centre during the celebrations.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. A family watches the marching band pass through the village.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. Musicians make their way through the narrow streets of the historic centre.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. Two women walk through the village during the festivities.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. Young participants in period costume during the Historical Parade.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. A participant in period costume during the Historical Parade.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. Participants in Renaissance costumes walk through Gallese during the Historical Parade.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. A couple in Renaissance costumes during the Historical Parade.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. A member of the Confraternity of Saint Famian carries the banner during the Historical Parade.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. Young participants in Renaissance costumes take part in the Historical Parade.
Gallese, Viterbo, Italy. A participant in the Historical Parade carries one of the event banners.
