Alanno and Albanella begin July patron saint festivities in Italy

Alanno hosted the inaugural Trofeo Madonna del Carmine cycling event on Saturday 18 July, marking the official start of the Madonna del Carmine patronal celebrations. The race, organized by the municipal administration, the local festival committee and CSI Ciclismo Chieti‑Pescara with technical support from Team Caprara, covered 45 km at a controlled speed. It started at Piazza Madonnella at 15:30, followed a route through Ticchione, Colle Mezzano, Villa San Giovanni, Cepagatti, Vallemare, Villareia and Piano della Fara, and concluded back in Piazza Madonnella. Prizes were awarded for the largest cycling group, the youngest rider and the oldest rider. The race preceded the religious rites and procession that continued on 18‑19 July.

In the nearby community of Albanella, the Matinella di Albanella festival for Saint Anna ran from 21 to 27 July. Organized by the Comitato Festa Sant'Anna under Don Carlo Ciocca, the program featured a lighting ceremony and “Tombolata Estiva” on 21 July, a motor‑tour and concert by the Cico Russo 9.0 Band on 22 July, a karaoke competition on 23 July, family‑focused activities including a Baby Party and a tug‑of‑war on 24 July, and the traditional Cente procession on 25 July. The week blended religious blessings, cultural performances and community games, aiming to showcase local traditions and draw residents and visitors together.