F o l k l o r e
L’Aquila has lived in relative isolation for centuries, so its folklore has remained intact throughout all this time. Customs and superstitions have not changed, and are still bound to both christianity and paganism. Unfortunately, the true meaning of these events can not be explained in English. However, some of the most widely known festivals are the “Living Crèche of Rivisondoli”, in which every 5th of January the whole town gives birth to a wonderful representation of the nativity according to the Bible. Other events are “la Madonna che scappa in Piazza” (Our Lady fleeing in the square), pitoresque representation of the resurrection of the Christ, taking place in Sulmona on the morning of Easter Sunday that involves the entire population of the city; “Processione dei serpari” (The procession of the snake-catchers), an exceptional event which takes place on the first Thursday in May in Cocullo, in which the pagan cult of the goddess Angizia is preserved in a ceremony recalling the fame of the ancient tribe of the Marsi as snake-charmers ; “La corsa degli zingari” (The gypsy’s race), in Pacentro, which is an event dating from the 16th century that take place every year on 8th September in worship of Our Lady of Loreto; The "Festa del solco" (the right track race) at Rocca di Mezzo, the price being that the winner may marry the most beautiful girl in the village. However, the most important festivity is “Perdonanza Celestiniana” (The Celestinian Forgiveness), both for its historical and religious importance. The “Perdonanza Celestiniana” commemorating a general indulgence conceded by Pope Celestine V, a hermit who lied on Monte Morrone, near Sulmona before becoming Pope and was famous for having abdicated the papal throne. This indulgence is renewed for all those who enter the church of Santa Maria di Collemaggio in L’Aquila by the Holy Door between the eening of 28th August and that of 29th August, the anniversary of his coronation in the same church in 1294.
