Abete Festival

A marriage between trees

In the heart of the Pollino National Park, in Rotonda (province of Potenza), one of the oldest and most fascinating tree rites in Basilicata is preserved. The Abete Festival, celebrated in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua, is a tradition that has its roots in the Middle Ages and still stages a sort of symbolic "marriage" between two trees today.

'A Pitu and 'A Rocca

The protagonists of the rite are two: "'A Pitu", an imposing beech tree that embodies the male element, and "'A Rocca", the top of a fir tree that represents the female element. For several days, the two trees are transported from the woods to the village with the strength of oxen and the participation of the entire community, amidst songs and hard work. The climax is the raising in the square: the two trees are joined and hoisted by hand, with the help of traditional wooden poles, and remain there for a whole year.

Man and mountain

More than a simple festival, the Abete Festival is a propitiatory rite that celebrates the union between man and the mountain and symbolizes fertility. The religious and popular festival develops around it, with celebrations dedicated to Saint Anthony and traditional cuisine: White Beans and Rotonda Red Eggplant DOP, typical pasta (the "firzuli"), cured meats, and local wines.

Experiencing the rite

Witnessing the Abete Festival means coming into contact with an authentic intangible heritage, made of ancient gestures and a strong sense of community. For those visiting the Pollino in June, it is a rare and unforgettable experience that combines spirituality, nature, and Lucanian tradition.