'A Nuttata (Christmas in Capua)

'A Nuttata, the Immaculate Conception white night in Capua

On the night between December 7th and 8th, the historic center of Capua stays awake until dawn for 'A Nuttata, the festival that officially opens the Christmas in Capua calendar. Squares, alleys, and churches of the town fill with lights, music, and people: it is the most anticipated event of the Capuan winter, an appointment that unites the religious dimension of the Immaculate Conception with a grand popular street festival.

A centuries-old tradition

'A Nuttata has its roots in the ancient Capuan devotion to the Immaculate Conception. In 1859, King Ferdinand II of Bourbon donated the statue of the Immaculate to the Cathedral, proclaiming the Virgin the patron saint of the garrison troops; after the Second World War, the tradition of the night vigil was revived, and in 1952, Father Umberto D'Aquino organized the procession of the statue in the early hours of the morning. Since then, the eve of December 8th is experienced as a long night of prayer and community, culminating in the dawn procession of the Immaculate Conception, around 3:45 AM, from the Church of the Annunziata.

The festival program

Surrounding the devotional moment is a rich calendar of initiatives spread throughout the historic center, with free admission:

• Lighting of the tree and illuminations in Piazza dei Giudici, the beating heart of the event;
• Santa Claus Village and stalls featuring local products and handicrafts;
• Concerts, DJ sets, and live shows in the squares, animating the night until late;
• Exhibitions of artisanal nativity scenes and itineraries through the Capuan Christmas;
• Street food and food and wine stands among the monuments of the town;
• Visits to the sites of Lombard history and the fortress city of Capua.

The Follaro d'oro award

During the evening, the Follaro d'oro is awarded, a recognition that the Municipality confers upon personalities from the world of culture: in the 2025 edition, the prize was presented to the popularizer and Rai host Alberto Angela, at the Church of the Annunziata.

Capua, fortress city on the Volturno

Promoted by the Municipality of Capua in collaboration with the Pro Loco and local associations, 'A Nuttata is much more than a Christmas event: it is an opportunity to discover one of the most fascinating historic centers in the province of Caserta, in Campania. Nestled in the bend of the Volturno river, Capua preserves an extraordinary Lombard and medieval heritage, and during 'A Nuttata, palaces, churches, and squares of the town return to the spotlight, illuminated and experienced by thousands of people in one of the most evocative nights of the year.