August 24 marks a day of great importance for the community of Montefusco, which gathers to celebrate the Feast of San Bartolomeo, one of the oldest and most heartfelt events in local tradition. This year, after a period of interruption, the feast returns to enliven the eponymous neighborhood, giving the faithful and citizens a moment of unity and devotion.
The Story of San Bartolomeo
San Bartolomeo, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, is venerated for his evangelical mission in India and Armenia, where, according to tradition, he met his martyrdom. His tragic end, caused by the hostility of pagan priests, made him a symbol of faith and courage, qualities that the community of Montefusco celebrates every year in his honor.
A Long-Awaited Return
After a few years of pause, the feast of San Bartolomeo returns with great enthusiasm, bringing with it not only religious value but also a strong sense of belonging and historical continuity. The celebrations will take place, as is tradition, in front of the ancient church of San Bartolomeo, a building dating back to the 12th century, located in the heart of the neighborhood named after the Saint. Although the church has been closed for years for safety reasons, this year participants will still be able to admire the statue of the Saint from the doorstep, a symbolic gesture that keeps the connection with the sacred place alive.
The Day’s Program
The day of festivities will begin with the Rosary at 18:30, followed by the Holy Mass at 19:00, which will be held in the small square in front of the church. This moment of prayer and reflection will be an occasion for the community to renew its faith and devotion to San Bartolomeo.
The feast will continue with the traditional outdoor cinema. At 21:00, the film “Succede anche nelle migliori famiglie” by Alessandro Siani will be screened, offering entertainment for all present. Throughout the evening, culinary delights such as ‘mbosta montefuscana, sandwiches with porchetta, refreshing drinks, and the inevitable watermelon will add a touch of flavor and conviviality to the celebration.
Special Thanks
The success of this edition of the Feast of San Bartolomeo is the result of the commitment and dedication of the Parish Priest and the Feast Committee, who have worked passionately to revive such a beloved tradition. The community expresses its appreciation for the organization and for the return of this important event, which represents not only a moment of faith but also of aggregation and collective identity.
Montefusco thus prepares to experience a day of celebration, blending the sacred and the profane, which unites religious devotion with popular joy, in the name of San Bartolomeo and the tradition that continues to live in the hearts of its inhabitants.
