Festa della Madonna del Rosario in Gaeta 2026: Piazza Castello in Festa on October 4

The Festa della Madonna del Rosario in Gaeta takes place on Sunday, 4 October 2026 in Piazza Castello: «Piazza Castello in Festa» starts at 19:30 with music, entertainment, stands run by local Gaeta venues, and the prize drawing for the pesca di beneficenza (charity raffle) in aid of cancer research. Starting from 16:00, a free shuttle runs from Piazza Traniello.

Evening program

• 19:30 — start of «Castello in Festa»
• Max Guadalaxara with «La Musica Felice»
• Hosted by Anna Valerio
• Live show with Franco Tispi
• Artistic performance with Filomena Vezza
• Throughout the evening, prize drawing for the pesca di beneficenza

The official program sets the start time at 19:30 (the initial poster indicated 19:00). Specific times for the individual moments of the evening have not been announced.

Food and wine route

While the show goes on, you can wander among the stands and tastings from the participating local restaurants and businesses:

• Andale
• Tredici
• La Francese
• Il Follaro
• Monci
• Circolo Tanino
• I Mastri Tiellari
• Kasa Incanto
• Radio Bottega
• Trattoria Donna Nina
• Nona Bar

It is a great opportunity to sample local specialties, including tiella (a traditional stuffed savoury pie), and spend the evening in the square surrounded by music and tradition.

The charity raffle

During the evening, prizes for the pesca di beneficenza will be drawn, with all proceeds going to the Associazione Italiana Ricerca contro il Cancro: participating means enjoying the festival while supporting cancer research.

Free shuttle and how to get there

Starting at 16:00, a free shuttle departs from Piazza Traniello, in the medieval quarter, running continuously until the end of the festival. It is also designed for churchgoers attending Holy Mass and the procession; their exact schedules are not listed on the evening program, and updates will be posted on the festival’s official channels.

Piazza Castello can also be reached on foot from the medieval village. If you arrive by car, park beforehand: here is the guide to parking and the ZTL (limited traffic zone).

Organizers and partners

The poster features the Confraternita del SS. Rosario, the Arcidiocesi di Gaeta, the Basilica Cattedrale, the Città di Gaeta, the Pro Loco, Confcommercio Lazio Sud, UCID, the association Diritto & Donna, and Slow Food Golfo di Gaeta e Monti Aurunci. Official updates are published on the Instagram profile @festadelrosariogaeta and on the event’s Facebook page.

The church and the Confraternita

The Chiesa del Santissimo Rosario is located on Via Aragonese, in the heart of Gaeta Medievale. Its name comes from the Confraternita del Rosario, which moved here in 1809 after the suppression of the convent of San Domenico where it was based, bringing along its Baroque altar and furnishings. It is an intimate church and is not open every day: opening hours are listed on the dedicated page, and its history in this in-depth guide.

Why the Madonna del Rosario is celebrated in October

The liturgical feast of the Madonna del Rosario falls on 7 October, the anniversary of the Battle of Lepanto in 1571: the victory of the Christian fleet was attributed to the Virgin Mary invoked through the Rosary. In Gaeta, that battle left a visible mark: the stendardo di Lepanto, which flew on the Papal flagship, is preserved inside the Museo Diocesano.

What else is happening in Gaeta around those dates

• Campionato Italiano delle Zone FIV — sailing regattas in the Gulf from 1 to 4 October, with Sunday, the day of the feast, being the final day of racing.
• Gaeta Urban Trail — Sunday, 11 October, a 12.5 km running race through stairways and alleys.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Festa della Madonna del Rosario 2026 held in Gaeta?

Sunday, 4 October 2026 in Piazza Castello, in the medieval quarter of Gaeta: «Piazza Castello in Festa» begins at 19:30.

Who is performing on stage?

Max Guadalaxara with «La Musica Felice», a live show by Franco Tispi, and an artistic performance by Filomena Vezza. Hosted by Anna Valerio.

Where can you eat during the festival?

At the stands along the food and wine route: Andale, Tredici, La Francese, Il Follaro, Monci, Circolo Tanino, I Mastri Tiellari, Kasa Incanto, Radio Bottega, Trattoria Donna Nina, and Nona Bar.

Is there a shuttle to Piazza Castello?

Yes, free of charge: it departs from Piazza Traniello starting at 16:00 and remains in service until the end of the festival.

Where do the proceeds from the charity raffle go?

To the Associazione Italiana Ricerca contro il Cancro, as indicated on the official program.

Why is the Madonna del Rosario celebrated in October?

The liturgical feast of the Madonna del Rosario is on 7 October, the anniversary of the 1571 Battle of Lepanto, whose victory was attributed to the Virgin Mary invoked through the Rosary.

Find everything happening throughout the month in what to do in Gaeta in October 2026. Have a question? Message Enea on WhatsApp.