Itri is the commune of traditions
, a town where every month there is at least one event worth visiting for: the fires of St Joseph on 19 March, the so-called Infiorata on the occasion of Corpus Domini on 2 June, the festa della Madonna della Civita on 21 July, and a myriad of minor events celebrating popular folklore. Itri, a hilly town of almost 11,000 inhabitants located in the south of Pontino (LT), is best known for its enchanting castle, symbol of the town and witness to its wealth in the medieval period. Every corner of the mammoth structure contains a legend or evidence of a bloody clash such as the one involving the Brigands, whose exploits are now narrated and preserved in the town’s most important museum. The brigandage museum in fact houses historical artefacts and memorabilia from the time of the brigands. Itri, whose name is still somewhat of a mystery (perhaps linked to the Latin word ‘Iter’ meaning ‘journey’), is in fact also known as the town of brigands and of Frà Diavolo, a genuine folk hero according to certain memoirs who led the anti-French Sanfedist revolt.
Festivities – Another symbol of the town is the Sanctuary of the Civita , home of the town’s patron saint, located on the summit of Mount Fusco and destination of intense religious tourism from neighbouring municipalities and other towns in the region. To celebrate the Madonna in Itri, three days of festivities are held every year, from 20 to 22 July, attracting thousands of people. The feast of the Civita, in fact, is not only a recurrence for the Itrians but also for all the surrounding towns and villages, which have always been devoted to the Madonna and come en masse on the day of the feast to participate in the sacred procession. 21 July is also an opportunity for emigrants to return to their country of origin and for young people to dance the night away because, every year, a major concert with a big name in Italian music is organised.
Finally, a particularly eagerly awaited moment is 19 March when, on the occasion of the fires of St Joseph, huge pyres are lit in every district and typical specialities such as zeppole (tasty fried pastries) are tasted. It is a very old tradition that sees each district of the city committed to building a bonfire, as tall and substantial as possible, so that the fire can unleash its full force and symbolically win the race with the other districts.