Cantamaggio Faiolese
The folk songs that welcome spring in Faiolo
About Cantamaggio Faiolese
The song that announces spring
Cantamaggio is one of the oldest folk traditions in central Italy, with very ancient roots that delve into fertility rites and good wishes for the new agricultural season. In Faiolo, a small hamlet of Montegabbione in the province of Terni, this custom is still alive: on the night between April 30th and May 1st, the "maggianti" singers go through the village, house by house, intoning the ritual quest song that celebrates the arrival of spring.
Accordion, triangle, and voices
The May songs are performed in the classic formation that combines accordion, triangle, cymbal, and voices, a tradition shared with other villages in Umbria, Tuscany, and the central Apennines. It is an oral heritage passed down from generation to generation, which in Faiolo continues to attract the community and enthusiasts.
The feast at the table
The song is accompanied by the village festival, starting around noon from Faiolo. The gastronomic tradition of Cantamaggio Faiolese offers sausages, broad beans and pecorino cheese, pasta, ham pie, and wine aplenty: a simple and rustic table, perfect for celebrating the arrival of the beautiful season together in the green hills of Terni.
Cantamaggio Faiolese — edition 2026
For 2026, the Cantamaggio Faiolese returns to Faiolo, a hamlet of Montegabbione, around April 30th, with the usual start around noon. The ritual of the May songs, performed by the "maggianti" with accordion, triangle, and voices, accompanies the village festival dedicated to the arrival of spring.
The gastronomic part, curated by the local community, offers traditional dishes: sausages, broad beans and pecorino cheese, pasta, ham pie, and wine aplenty. For updated dates and details, it is advisable to contact the Pro Loco of Montegabbione.
Programme Cantamaggio Faiolese 2026
Departure around 12:00 PM from Faiolo, with the traditional May song. During the day: village festival with music, conviviality, and food stalls (sausages, broad beans and pecorino cheese, pasta, ham pie, wine aplenty). The detailed schedule is communicated by the organizers in the days preceding the event.
Practical information — Cantamaggio Faiolese
How to get there
Faiolo is a hamlet of Montegabbione, in the province of Terni, on the hills between the Orvieto area and the Valdichiana. By car, it can be reached from the A1 motorway (Fabro exit) or from the SS71, following signs for Montegabbione and Faiolo.
When
Around April 30th-May 1st. The festival usually starts around noon from Faiolo.
Contacts
Pro Loco Montegabbione: [email protected], tel. +39 328 8295217.
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Where does it take place — Cantamaggio Faiolese
Faiolo, frazione di Montegabbione