Festivals                                                                LIST OF FESTIVALS IN ABRUZZO

 A cause for celebration, dancing and eating and drinking too much with the locals. Some festivals are small traditional affairs with a local folk band and food, others like the Lanciano festival are three days of music, fun fairs, processions and fireworks. The Lanciano festival is an attraction for thousands to visit the city and see something unique. The Lanciano festival starts with a four o’clock firework display (am, not pm). The fireworks last about half an hour. You will be surprised how many locals of all ages are out to witness the opening of the festival.

A moving religious festival occurs at the Holy week when a local volunteer from each parish drags a life size crucifix through the streets bare foot. Following him are other people from the parish singing carols. It is a great honour to play the part of Jesus.

At the end of August in Lanciano there is an amazing medieval re-enactment including a long procession in costume, with load drumming and trumpet fanfares. The finale is a competition of strength, sword fighting and fire eaters. Of course, more fireworks.

One thing is guaranteed, you will not get bored. At Pretoro I witnessed something I was sure would be a terrible experience, the ... snake festival! It actually cured any fears I had towards snakes and helped me understand them. The villagers go out into the hills the morning of the festival and catch as many snakes as they can find. They then walk about the streets with them around their bodies – wild snakes!!

But there are very few bites or problems, nobody gets hurt, and before you know it you are having your picture taken with a local snake.

At Fara San Martino they let off fireworks with the mountain as a backdrop. At San Vito they have a firework display in the sea.