Cantamaggio Ficullese
The May ritual in the village of Ficulle, with songs, wine, and broad beans
About Cantamaggio Ficullese
A ritual lost in the mists of time
In Ficulle, a small village in the Orvieto area of the Province of Terni, Cantamaggio is one of the most heartfelt and defining traditions. It is a rite of pagan origin, with roots stretching back to a remote past, celebrating the arrival of summer, the fertility of the land and animals, love, and the rebirth of nature. Once, teams of farmers would set out at sunset on the last day of April for a long tour of the countryside, singing until dawn; families would reward them with bread, cheese, eggs, and especially plenty of wine.
How it unfolds today
The modern event takes place within the castle walls of Ficulle: the group of singers, accompanied by accordions and small organs, traverses the streets and squares of the village with stops between Borgo Garibaldi (La Pesa), the Piazzetta, Piazza Puerta del Sol, the Sottofossi, Piazza Alfredo Silvestri, and up to the sports field. At each stop, residents welcome the participants by offering wine, cheese with broad beans, and typical local sweets, in a festive atmosphere that blends music, laughter, and conviviality.
The pride of a community
The May song conveys an unmistakable message of vitality and hope, and in Ficulle, it is carefully preserved by the Pro Loco, which organizes the event and proudly upholds the motto "the only true Cantamaggio is in Ficulle." For visitors, it is an opportunity to experience an authentic folk tradition of Umbria, far from superficial re-enactments.
Cantamaggio Ficullese — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Cantamaggio Ficullese is confirmed for Thursday, April 30th. As per tradition, in the evening, the procession of singers moves within the castle walls of Ficulle, accompanied by accordions and small organs, with stops along the streets and squares of the town. At each stop, residents welcome participants with wine, cheese with broad beans, and traditional sweets, in a rite that celebrates the arrival of summer and the rebirth of nature. The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Ficulle.
Programme Cantamaggio Ficullese 2026
Thursday, April 30, 2026
The route of the singers' procession, with accordions and small organs, traditionally winds through the streets and squares of the historic center, with stops where residents offer wine, cheese with broad beans, and sweets:
- Borgo Garibaldi (La Pesa)
- Piazzetta
- Piazza Puerta del Sol
- Sottofossi
- Piazza Alfredo Silvestri
- Campo Sportivo
The departure is scheduled for the evening, generally around 9:00 PM. The detailed program with times and stops will be communicated by the Pro Loco of Ficulle on their social media channels in the days preceding the event.
Highlights Cantamaggio Ficullese 2026
Prices Cantamaggio Ficullese 2026
Practical information — Cantamaggio Ficullese
How to get there
Ficulle can be reached by car from the A1 Milan-Naples motorway (Fabro exit, a few kilometers away) or from the SS71 Orvieto-Chiusi. The reference train station is Fabro-Ficulle, on the Rome-Florence line.
When
The event takes place on the evening of April 30th, generally starting around 9:00 PM, along the streets of the historic center.
Admission
Free participation; food and wine are offered by residents along the route.
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Where does it take place — Cantamaggio Ficullese
Borgo di Ficulle
Centro storico, 05016 Ficulle