Candelora of Montevergine - Juta dei Femminielli

A centuries-old tradition on Mount Partenio

On February 2nd, the day of the Candelora (Candlemas), the Sanctuary of Montevergine—a Benedictine abbey overlooking Mount Partenio in the territory of Mercogliano, in the province of Avellino—becomes the heart of one of Campania's most unique festivals. Pilgrims, musical groups, and curious visitors arrive from Naples, Irpinia, and across the region for the blessing of the candles and to pay homage to the Madonna with the dark face, whom everyone here calls Mamma Schiavona, "she who grants all and forgives all."

The Juta dei Femminielli

"Juta" in the Neapolitan dialect means ascent: it is the pilgrimage, once entirely on foot, that leads from the valley to the basilica's square. Legend has it that in the 13th century, two young lovers, caught together and left tied on the mountain to die of cold, were freed and saved by the Virgin. From that legend stems the deep bond between the sanctuary, the Neapolitan femminielli, and, today, the entire LGBTQIA+ community, which climbs to Montevergine every Candelora to seek protection and to be recognized as they are. Chronicles attest to the presence of this ritual as early as the modern era, and since 2002, the day has also taken on an explicit value of civil advocacy.

Tammorre, paranze, and songs

The soundtrack of the Candelora is that of the traditional folk music of Campania: paranze groups with tammorre drums, castanets, and voices perform tammurriate and devotional songs on the sanctuary square, while dancers take turns in a circle. Brightly colored clothes, handkerchiefs, ex-votos, and candles accompany a ritual that seamlessly blends Catholic liturgy and folk culture: people pray, sing, dance, and then share a meal together.

How the day unfolds

• Morning: ascent to the sanctuary on foot along the trails, by funicular from Mercogliano, or by car along the access road.
• Blessing of the candles: the symbolic gesture of light overcoming darkness, at the very origin of the Candelora festival.
• Solemn mass at 11:00 AM, traditionally celebrated by the Abbot of Montevergine.
• Homage to Mamma Schiavona: bowing before the icon, songs by the paranze, and dances on the square.
• Community lunch in the restaurants of Mercogliano and the surrounding area, with the festivities continuing into the afternoon.

The 2026 landslide: a Candelora in the valley

A landslide on November 25th swept away the provincial road leading to the sanctuary, isolating Montevergine for months. For the first time in decades, on February 2, 2026, the Juta could not reach the basilica: the celebration moved to the Church of the Annunziata in Mercogliano, where Father Vitaliano Della Sala welcomed pilgrims and femminielli. The climb to the sanctuary was postponed rather than cancelled; the gradual reopening of access routes, first on foot and by funicular and later by road, restored Montevergine to its pilgrims the following spring.

Faith, folklore, and rights

What makes the Candelora of Montevergine unique is the coexistence of different layers: the authentic Marian devotion of thousands of Irpinian and Campanian faithful, the intangible heritage of the tammurriate, and the historical presence of trans and homosexual individuals welcomed at the feet of the Black Madonna. It is a contemporary religious festival, followed every year by national media, local mayors, and public figures, and experienced by locals as an integral part of their identity.

Mercogliano, gateway to the sanctuary

The town of Mercogliano, at the foot of Mount Partenio, is the natural starting point for the juta: from here, the funicular climbs the slope toward the abbey in just a few minutes, and here you can find the Palazzo Abaziale del Loreto and the establishments that welcome pilgrims. Nearby, Irpinia offers forests, villages, and mountain gastronomy that complete the festive day.