On May 2nd and 3rd, Ortona celebrates its Patron, Saint Apostle Thomas, with the Festa del Perdono (Forgiveness Celebration).
The feast dates back to 1479, when Pope Sisto IV allowed the plenary indulgence to the believers who were visiting the church of Saint Thomas. The Festa del Perdono is marked by 2 processions of Saint Thomas’ statue on the streets at the start and at the end of the religious and historical celebrations.
The event also features the historical parade of the “Lady of the Keys”, leaving from the Palazzo Farnese and arriving to Ortona’s Cathedral.
All municipality’s authorities, ladies, knights, notable people, armour bearers, musicians and flag wavers wearing Medieval and Renaissance costumes are involved in the parade. When it reaches the Cathedral the lady gives the silver keys to open the urn with the silver Bust of the Saint.