Italy has its share of celebrations and festivals all year long. Here I have highlighted three celebrations that take place during the month of May, a snake festival, a pilgrimage to beauty and a fish festival. Come enjoy them with me!
Celebrations and Festivals
Celebrations, festivals and street parties are a big part of life in Italy. During the month of May there is more than enough to do by way of entertainment. There is a little something to suit every individual taste. So if you are fortunate enough to be visiting Italy during the month of May, you are in for a treat! Here I have highlighted three events worth taking in- a “snake” extravaganza (if you’re not too squeamish), a pilgrimage to beauty and tranquility and a fish festival complete with its own pyrotechnics display.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s explore the fun to be had!
Snake Festival in Cocullo
On the first Thursday of May, in the town of Cocullo, a very unique, albeit strange, ancient festival is held to honor the memory of Saint Dominic Abbot. Cocullo is a small town located near Abruzzo, which is less than an hour’s drive from Rome. The way the legend goes, Saint Dominic had his way with snakes- he was able to render every poisonous snake in the area harmless, much to the pleasure of the ople. For this reason he became known as the patron saint of snakes. A processional is held on this day every year and the local residents come out in droves to honor his unique ability. What happens is the Saint’s statue is carried throughout the town. The parade is always held at midday and people participating in this unusual ritual cover the statue and- it’s hard to believe but true- themselves with hundreds of live, slithering snakes. Of course the snakes are all non poisonous. This is not a festival for the faint at heart or anyone who has a phobia about snakes. It is believed that the snakes, once draped over the statue, hold some type of mystical power to predict future happenings.
The people in attendance watch the behavior of the snakes very carefully. According to custom, if the snakes wind themselves around the head of the statue, that is a very good sign and forecasts a good harvest to come. However if they wind themselves in the direction of the arms and steer clear of the head, local prophecies say this is indicative that something bad is ahead.
In days past the snakes were all killed after the event was over but that cruel practice came to an end back in the 1940’s. Since that time, every year once the festival is over, the snakes are released unharmed into local farmlands. This event dates back to the pre-Roman times and is connected to the goddess Angizia who had her own special way of protecting farmers from being bitten by poisonous snakes.
Patron Saint of Teeth
Saint Domenic of the 16th century, according to legend, also had a unique ability to keep away fevers and storms. For this reason he became the patron saint not only of snakebites but teeth as well. The “dental” element is incorporated into the parade near the end of it. What happens is that a bell is rung by a cord that must be pulled by teeth, which is an indicator of good dental health. After the tooth is pulled, villagers line up to kiss what they consider to be a “holy” molar. This is most definitely not an event for people who are scared of snakes (or dentists!) but worth a look nonetheless, albeit from a distance perhaps!
The Opening of the Gates (Sanctuary of Oropa)
On the first Sunday of May, a parade of faithful followers leaves the town of Biella at six A.M. to walk the eleven or so miles of dangerous and steep curves to reach the breathtaking Sanctuary of Oropa. This event is called the Opening of the Gates. This beautiful spot has such appeal that it draws over 800,000 pilgrims every year. These people must travel 3,460 feet up a mountain in order to pay homage to the Black Madonna. The structure, considered to be architecturally superior in many ways, is a 54-inch wooden statue and was handmade by the apostle Saint Luke. It is believed that it was brought to this particular spot in the mountains by Saint Eusebius of Sardinia in the 4th century who, recognizing its beauty and potential, recovered it from the ruins of Jerusalem. Around the statue the saint built a church with his own hands. There is a holiness to Oropa, which is what draws so many people to its soulful beauty and serenity. Many a traveler to Italy has made the trip to the sanctuary and been very pleased that he/she did for its beauty and its ability to calm and center the mind is like nowhere else on Earth.
Fish Festival of Saint Fortunato
On the second Sunday of May, in the port of Camogli (pronounced kuh-moh’-lee), the most well known event of the year and biggest tourist attraction of the area happens- it is the Fish Festival of Saint Fortunato. Camogli is a small fishing village that is located between the Portofino Mountains and the Ligurian Sea. Saint Fortunato was the patron saint of fishermen who watched over the men and kept them safe while they were at sea. This event takes place in honor of him.
The evening before the festival is set to begin, an enormous and extremely grandiose fireworks display is put on, much to the delight of all the villagers (and many tourists). The event generally gets underway around ten P.M. on the Saturday night in question. After the fireworks are over, another interesting “fire” display takes places. A bonfire competition is staged between the two main neighborhoods of the town. Two extremely tall (sometimes as high as two stories) wooden and paper structures are constructed on the beach, each corresponding to the specific theme for that year as every year it is something different. After all the work is done, they are both set afire. The fires are lit by a “firewire” that descends from the top steeple of the church. The display is a true feast for the eyes and draws people in droves to witness its majestic power and beauty. The flames often reach heights of over six stories. The fire department as well as the police department has their hands full on the night of this most spectacular event!
The next day, the official day of the fish festival, free fried fish is dished out in front of the small, but exquisite harbor and everyone is welcome to eat as much fish as they want. According to folklore, this custom had its origins during the Second World War. It was believed that the wives of the local fishermen offered fresh fish to the Holy Virgin in order to thank her for keeping their husbands safe and out of harm’s way during the war.
So next time you find yourself in Italy during the month of May, go enjoy the festivities! Party hardy!