Piazza in Festa Abruzzo

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Religious and patron saints Ongoing

Perdonanza Celestiniana

L'Aquila (AQ)

L'Aquila

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From 23 to 30 August 2026, L’Aquila renews the appointment with the Perdonanza Celestiniana, now in its 732nd edition. Established in 1294 by Pope Celestine V, the event combines the spiritual dimension of forgiveness with a dense calendar of cultural events, and is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The 2026 edition, included in the program of L’Aquila Italian Capital of Culture, opens on 23 August with the inaugural ceremony “The Force of Forgiveness” live on Rai 1 and continues with concerts, theatre performances, dance performances, exhibitions and meetings spread throughout the historic centre. Highlights include the Dance Gala on the Staircase of San Bernardino (24 August), the concert by Geolier (25), the show by Alessandro Siani (26) and the evening “L’Aquila in scena” (27). Closing the event on 30 August is the “Concert for L’Aquila” by Il Volo. Promoted by the Municipality, the Perdonanza Committee and the Archdiocese, the Perdonanza is a moment of strong national appeal that intertwines faith, art and participation.

Useful info

LIS interpreting service available for people with hearing disabilities. Contact for information: ENTE NAZIONALE SORDI SEZIONE PROVINCIALE DELL'AQUILA, email: laquila@pec.ens.it Full programme and updates at perdonanza-celestiniana.it Inaugural ceremony live on Rai 1 on 23 August (prime time) Closing concert with Il Volo on 30 August

More events near L'Aquila

Fairs and markets Ongoing

Ornamental decorations in Via Patini

L'Aquila (AQ)

The Municipality of L'Aquila has set up an ornamental display with 50 pinwheels in Via Patini, between Piazza Duomo and the intersection with Via Sallustio. The initiative, running from July to November 2026, aims to enhance the historic center and strengthen the urban and commercial appeal of the area.

Craft and flea markets Ongoing

Mercatini in Corso Vittorio Emanuele – Agosto 2026

L'Aquila (AQ)

In August 2026, Corso Vittorio Emanuele in L'Aquila will host markets on public areas, an opportunity to stroll among the stalls in the heart of the city. The initiative is part of the "Eventi su aree pubbliche 2026" program.

Culture and exhibitions Ongoing

LEA CONTESTABILE: 50 OPERE PER 50 ANNI

L'Aquila (AQ)

First comprehensive retrospective exhibition dedicated to Lea Contestabile, held in various venues in L'Aquila from July to October 2026. The exhibition presents 50 works that trace the career of the artist, professor at the Accademia di Belle Arti and President of Mubaq. A general catalog and two specific catalogs are planned, also documenting the rediscovered architectural beauties of L'Aquila that host the retrospective.

Culture and exhibitions Ongoing

OMAGGIO AL PADRE PASSIONISTA TITO AMODEI

L'Aquila (AQ)

Tribute to the Passionist Father Tito Amodei, a religious figure, painter, sculptor, and art critic, an extraordinary innovator of sacred art. The exhibition accompanies the project 'Seminiamo Arte 6', included among the events for L'Aquila 2026 - Italian Capital of Culture.

Religious and patron saints Ongoing

Festa Patronale di Monticchio

L'Aquila (AQ)

In Monticchio, a hamlet of L'Aquila, the Patron Saint Festival dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua and Saint Nicholas of Bari is celebrated. The event includes religious ceremonies and festive moments that attract visitors to the hamlet.

Culture and exhibitions Ongoing

L’ANIMA DELLA CARTA O IL GIARDINO DI SHAHRAZĀD

L'Aquila (AQ)

On Friday, August 21, 2026, in L’Aquila, a double appointment with Susanna Cascella, the only woman of the Cascella artistic dynasty. At 6 PM, at Libreria Colacchi (Corso Vittorio Emanuele 5), the catalog “L’Anima della Carta o il Giardino di Shahrazād”, published by Cervo Volante, will be presented. At 7 PM, at Spazio F’ART (Via San Francesco di Paola 13), the solo exhibition curated by Mariano Cipollini will open. Paper becomes a living, fragile, and receptive material, capable of evoking the enchanted world of the Thousand and One Nights. Cascella’s works explore the subtle boundary between the delicacy of the support and the power of imagination taking shape, in a dialogue between sign, color, and silence. The exhibition remains open until September 5, from Monday to Saturday, 5-8 PM. Admission is free. The initiative is part of the program of L’Aquila Italian Capital of Culture 2026.