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Festivals and Events

The Festival of the Madonna della Libera in Pratola

One of the highlights of Pratola is its annual Festival of the Madonna della Libera, a 10 day festival in early May, that has to be seen to be believed. (The official feast day is the first Sunday in May).

Although religious in its origin, it is much more than that. Literally thousands of people descend on the town, many returning to visit family and friends. On the weekends especially the streets are a sea of people - a truly exciting and electric atmosphere! The streets are beautifully decorated with arches of lights. You begin to hear brass bands playing throughout the day. There is an extra large market and street vendors selling the local delicacies hot porchetta and warm roasted peanuts. Almost every evening there is entertainment in the main piazza including concerts, street dancing and brass bands playing classical music in a specially erected band shell.

A fireworks display on the last Saturday night of the festival is more spectacular than probably any that you have ever seen. And of course there are the religious processions and events. Some of the highlights include the welcoming of the pilgrims who walk 42 km from Gioia de Marsi and the procession of the statue of La Madonna out of the church and through the narrow winding streets of the town.

For more information and historical details about this festival, please visit the Useful links page.

Other festivals and events in the area

Every year dozens of festivals and fairs take place in Abruzzo, some religious in nature, others focusing on traditions, cuisine and folk art. Here are a few events around Pratola Peligna.

Sulmona: Madonna Rush through the Square - April
Procession of the Madonna running towards the risen Christ on Easter Sunday.

Cocullo: Procession of the Snake Charmers - May
Every year on the first Thursday in May, Cocullo celebrates its patron saint San Domenico by carrying his statue swathed in live snakes across this remote hill village.

Rocca di Mezzo: Daffodil Festival - May
Annual folk celebration of spring on the last Sunday in May.

Raiano: Cherry Festival - June
Cherries grown all over Italy are brought to the village of Raiano for tasting and appraisal. Although only a one-day festival, the celebration is well worth seeing especially the parade. Watch for the "festival queen"!

Pescara: International Jazz Festival - August
Pescara on the Adriatic coast hosts an annual jazz festival headlined since 1963 by artists like Ella Fitzgerald, Stephane Grappelli, Oscar Peterson and Bobby McFerrin, to mention just a few.
[ visit website ]

Popoli: Trout and Shrimp Festival - August
Annual celebration of trout, shrimp and Abruzzo cuisine in the picturesque village of Popoli, a mere 15 minute drive North of Pratola.

 



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