The Procession of Saint Fermina

The Procession of Saint Fermina is celebrated every 28th of April, the day of the liturgical feast of the patron saint of Civitavecchia, protector of sailors. The celebrations are organised by the “Associazione Comitato Diocesano Patrona Santa Fermina” and begin with the celebration of Holy Mass in the chapel of Forte Michelangelo, above the cave where Saint Fermina took refuge after calming the stormy sea with her prayers.
The festivities continue with the historic parade from Amelia, featuring hundreds of participants in medieval costumes, flag bearers, and the offering of the votive candle on the steps of the Cathedral. This is followed by a meeting between the mayors of Civitavecchia and Amelia to renew the twinning of the two cities, united by their shared Patron Saint.
The procession departs from the Cathedral of Civitavecchia, with all the brotherhoods of Civitavecchia and local associations, proceeding through Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, Corso Marconi, Piazza Calamatta, Via XVI Settembre, Via Sangallo, Via Leonardo, Via Risorgimento, Corso Centocelle, and Largo Plebiscito. After the city route, the statue, along with the relics of the Saint, is carried by sailors onto a tugboat and taken in procession at sea. Amidst the sounds of ships and a multitude of fishing boats in celebration, the procession reaches the far end of the port, where the sea is blessed, and a wreath of laurel is offered in honour and remembrance of all fallen sailors.
Upon returning to land, the procession follows the Patron Saint along Calata Laurenti, Largo Plebiscito, Largo Cavour, and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, ending back at the Cathedral, where Holy Mass is celebrated. Throughout the historic centre and along the entire seafront, tens of thousands of Civitavecchia residents and tourists gather, arriving from the surrounding area and even from Rome, to admire the stalls and the market that enliven the city after the procession. The atmosphere is highly characteristic and folkloric and truly worth experiencing.
To learn about the story of the Saint, click here.
Watch the video of the procession in 2024.