The charming streets of Trastevere come alive during the Festa de’ Noantri, an ancient tradition dating back to 1535.
As the legend goes, after a terrible storm some local fisherman found a historic Madonna statue on the banks of the Tiber. The statue was given to the Carmelite monks and held in the Church San Crisogono in Piazza Sonnino, in the heart of Trastevere. The statue has since been moved a few times until its modern location in the Church of Saint Agatha on Largo S. Giovanni de Matha. The statue is removed just once a year, the first saturday after the celebration of the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel on July 16th. The statue is decorated and paraded through the streets of Trastevere from the Church of Saint Agatha to the Church of Saint Crisogono, where it stays for 8 days. It is then returned to the Church of Saint Agatha by boat on the Tiber River.
The celebration is one of the most markedly Roman holidays during the year. In fact, the word “Noantri” is roughly translates to “ours” in Italian, a feeling that represents the local pride for the holiday.
Festa de’ Noantri Program 2017
The holiday is marked by both religious and non-religious events. Religious events include special masses at Church of Saint Agata and mass at Church of Saint Crisogono. Non-religious events include performances by local groups and musicians, acts for all different age groups, that take place both on stage and in piazza.
For more information about the program, visit the official website (Italian only): festadenoantri.it (the full program for 2017 should be published by July 13, 2017)
Festa de’ Noantri Parade Route 2017
There are two parades during the holiday, one that removes the statue of the Madonna from Church of Saint Agata to that of Saint Crisogono, and the second to return it. You can see the 2017 parade routes below:
July 22, 2017 Parade Route (source: arciconfraternitadelcarmine.it)
July 31, 2017 Parade Route (source: arciconfraternitadelcarmine.it)
Don’t miss any of the action!
Known for its picturesque streets, lively piazzas and exciting nightlife, Trastevere is a great home base for your vacation in Rome. Take look at all the Trastevere vacation rentals available from ROMAC! For larger groups, check out one of our newest additions: AP25 Gianicolo is a 3-bedroom vacation rental near Viale Trastevere. Or if you’re traveling with a few friends or as just a couple, the cosy AP50 Trastevere vacation apartment in Trastevere overlooks a charming piazza in one of Rome’s most characteristic neighborhoods.
Have you visited Trastevere during Festa de’ Noantri? Share your experience in the comments below!
Cover photo credit: festadenoantri.it
