Bulla Indulgentiarum Historical Pageant

A unique re-enactment in Marsica

The "Bulla Indulgentiarum" Historical Pageant is the signature event of Cerchio, a small village of just over 1,500 inhabitants nestled on the north-eastern slopes of the Fucino basin, in the historic Marsica region of the Abruzzo province of L'Aquila. Every year in late August, the historic center transforms into an open-air medieval theater to commemorate an episode that binds the village inextricably to the history of the Church and the Jubilees.

The link to the first Jubilee of 1300

The re-enactment is based on precise historical facts. In 1300, during the first Jubilee in history proclaimed by Pope Boniface VIII, a bull of indulgences was granted to the Church of San Bartolomeo in Cerchio. The church is remembered as the only religious monument in Marsica cited in the document of the first Holy Year, and the precious papal document is now kept at the Diocese of Avezzano. This memory inspired the pageant, which re-enacts the solemn delivery of the Bulla delle Indulgenze (Indulgence Bull) to the village.

The event program

The festival spans two days. The eve is dedicated to the evocative investiture ceremony, featuring the installation of the Mastro Giurato and the figures leading the procession. On the afternoon of the main day, the grand historical pageant begins, departing from the Town Hall in Piazza Sandro Pertini and winding through the village streets. The highlight is the symbolic opening of the Church of San Bartolomeo door and the religious ceremony commemorating the granting of the indulgence.

• Participants and extras in medieval period costumes
• Flag-waver and musician groups from across Abruzzo
• The "Dama della Bulla" (Lady of the Bull) carrying the Bonifacian document in procession
• Performances and scenes of medieval life

Flag-wavers and guest groups

The pageant is enriched each year by the participation of prominent regional historical groups, including the Sbandieratori e Musici Borgo San Panfilo from Sulmona, the Armigeri e Balestrieri from Bucchianico, and the Bandierai dei Quattro Quarti from L'Aquila, who bring the squares to life with flag displays, drums, and clarions.

A community celebration

Organized by the Universitas Circuli Cultural Association with the patronage of the Municipality of Cerchio, the Bulla Indulgentiarum is much more than a costume re-enactment: it is a deeply felt event involving the entire community, from local associations like Pro Loco, Alpini, AVIS, and Caritas to numerous volunteers and participants. The event is part of the Agosto Cerchiese calendar and represents one of the most characteristic historical-religious appointments of the Abruzzo summer.