'A Juta a Montevergine

A ritual ascending towards the Partenio

Every September, the small village of Ospedaletto d'Alpinolo, in the province of Avellino, becomes the starting point for one of the most heartfelt popular rituals in Campania: the juta to Montevergine, the ascent to the sanctuary that houses the icon of the Black Madonna, known to all as Mamma Schiavona. This is not a spectacle staged for tourists, but a living devotion passed down by Irpinian and Neapolitan families from generation to generation.

The Juta and the Sagliuta

The heart of the event is the pilgrimage on September 12th: devotees gather in Piazza Demanio in the early hours of the morning to tackle the ancient mule track that climbs the Partenio massif. The ascent—the sagliuta—is largely performed in silence, reaching the sanctuary's holy staircase, where the solemnity dissolves into traditional songs and the rhythmic sound of the tammorre drums. Those who prefer not to hike the trail can reach the abbey via the carriage road or the funicular departing from Mercogliano.

The historical re-enactment

Alongside the religious dimension, the town stages a historical re-enactment of the ancient festival: a procession of decorated carts and caparisoned horses travels through the streets of the historic center, recreating how pilgrims once arrived in Ospedaletto from neighboring towns. Recent editions have also featured the spectacular climbing of the bell tower, with the unfurling of the Madonna's image along the facade.

Paranze, tammurriate, and folk music

The evenings of the 'A Juta belong to Campanian folk music. The paranze—groups of musicians and singers moving from square to square—alternate with concerts held in Piazza Umberto I and Piazza Demanio. Over the years, leading performers of the devotional and Vesuvian tradition have taken the stage, from folk singing groups to the bottari, and the festival regularly concludes with long, collective tammurriata dances that continue late into the night.

The flavors of Irpinia

Throughout the event, the historic center is filled with food and wine stalls, and traditional shops remain open until late. Ospedaletto d'Alpinolo is famous for its artisanal candies and confetti, which pilgrims have always bought as a memento of the climb, while local tables offer Irpinian mountain dishes paired with the region's great wines, from Fiano di Avellino and Greco di Tufo to Taurasi.

The Sanctuary of Montevergine

Founded by Saint William of Vercelli in the 12th century at an altitude of approximately 1,270 meters, the sanctuary is one of the most visited Marian sites in Southern Italy. The icon of Mamma Schiavona is also a symbol of inclusivity: for decades, the 'A Juta has been a defining event for the LGBTQ+ community and the Neapolitan femminielli, who participate especially during the Candlemas festivities in February.

Ospedaletto d'Alpinolo, gateway to the Partenio

With just over two thousand inhabitants, nestled at 725 meters above sea level on the slopes of the Partenio Regional Park, the municipality of Ospedaletto d'Alpinolo has always lived this vocation as a threshold between the plains and the sacred mountain. The event is promoted by the municipal administration together with local associations and merchants, and in 2025 it reached its twenty-seventh edition.

Looking ahead to the 2026 edition

At the moment, the dates and program for the 2026 edition have not yet been released. However, the 'A Juta remains tied to the September 12th anniversary, and in recent years the festival has always spanned three days around this date. It is therefore advisable to check for updates published by the municipality and the organizers before planning your trip to Irpinia.