The “Sagra delle Regne”, ancient feast in honour of wheat, is a picturesque event, based on the typical peasant traditions and on the tribute to the Vergine delle Grazie, Protector of the city, whose fresco is kept in the Church of Saint Francis (14th century).
The parade of votive carts, prepared by the various neighbourhoods; the offer to the Madonna del “trescato” (the processed wheat ears), as a sign of thanks for the harvest; the installation of exhibits and shows by Italian and foreign folklore groups are key moments of the celebration, whose origins have changed from pagan rituals, popular mainly in the Greco-Roman culture. The term “regne” comes from the Latin “gremia” (bundles of wheat ears, wheat sheaves, bunches of shoots).
The earliest recent trace of the popular festival dates to 1801. After the interruption due to World War II, it was restored in 1954 by the local tourist board of Minturno and today, it is promoted by the monks of the local Convent of Saint Francis. The fire at the Baronale Castle, in the middle of the night, closes the event that enriches the summer schedule of initiatives.
DATE: From 2 to 15 July
EVENT PROMOTER: Sagra delle Regne Cultural Association
