Velletri Holds Madonna del Gonfalone Festival with Faith and Stars

The town of Velletri will celebrate the annual Festa della Madonna del Gonfalone on 1–2 August at the Church of Santi Pietro e Bartolomeo Apostolo. The festivities begin Saturday night with the unveiling and display of the sacred image at 19:00, followed by prayer to late night. From 20:00 the church cloister will host an astronomical observation session using telescopes, organized by Associazione Astronomitaly in collaboration with the "Calici sotto le Stelle" event, allowing participants to admire the sky while reflecting on faith.

On Sunday, 2 August, the celebration culminates at 10:30 with a solemn Eucharistic Mass presided over by the parish priest Mons. Roberto Mariani. The event is open to all residents and especially encourages young people to engage with the tradition, aiming to keep the community’s cultural and spiritual heritage alive.