Cavalcade of the Three Wise Men

A historical pageant inspired by Benozzo Gozzoli's fresco

The Cavalcade of the Three Wise Men is the grand Epiphany re-enactment of Airola, a town in the Province of Benevento, in the heart of the Valle Caudina, Campania. This is no mere folk parade: the explicit goal of its organizers each year is to meticulously recreate the scenes and characters depicted in the famous fresco by Benozzo Gozzoli, preserved at the Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence. Inspired by the vision of the Calabrian master Graziadei Tripodi, a restorer and painter of sacred works, the event features an almost philological attention to costumes, headgear, fabrics, and the hierarchy of the procession.

The result is a re-enactment that blends history with religious devotion: the journey of the three Wise Men toward Bethlehem becomes a real pilgrimage through the town's streets, complete with stops, encounters, and liturgical moments. For the Airola community, it has become a deeply rooted tradition—a time for gathering, spirituality, and sharing at the start of every year.

Over one hundred participants, nine horses, and the town band

The numbers speak to the organizational effort: the procession features over 100 participants in period attire and nine horses, led by the three Wise Men. Following them are dignitaries, knights, men-at-arms, shepherds, musicians, and the faithful. The journey is accompanied by the «Giacomo Puccini» Town Concert Band of Airola, which marks the stages with evocative melodies, while lighting effects enhance the atmosphere of the late winter afternoon.

• Over 100 participants in historical costume
• 9 horses, with the Wise Men in the saddle
• «Giacomo Puccini» Town Concert Band of Airola
• Departure in the late afternoon, at 4:00 PM
• Free admission

The route: from Palazzo Montevergine to the Oasi della Pace grotto

The Cavalcade sets off at 4:00 PM: the Wise Men depart from different districts of the town to meet in front of Palazzo Montevergine, the imposing 17th-century complex that serves as Herod's palace for the day. From there, the procession marches along the main streets of the historic center to reach the grotto set up at the Oasi della Pace, where the ceremony of the offering of gifts and the adoration of the Child takes place.

The final act involves the Holy Family, the Wise Men, knights, dignitaries, men-at-arms, musicians, and the public moving toward the Church of San Pasquale, where the liturgical moment of kissing the Baby Jesus is celebrated. This is the most intimate part of the day, reflecting the event's devotional roots.

The 2026 novelty: the living nativity scene of ancient crafts

In the 2026 edition, the Cavalcade was accompanied for the first time by a living nativity scene dedicated to ancient crafts, set up in the Oasi della Pace area and curated by Angelo Pirozzi, a specialist in nativity art. The scenes of old artisan trades provided a backdrop for the arrival of the procession, extending the visitor experience and offering an extra reason to arrive early.

Organizers

The event is directed by the «San Pasquale» Association, linked to the Convent of the SS. Concezione in Airola, with the support of the Friars Minor, local parishes, and the Airolandia cultural association. The event is held under the patronage of the Diocese of Cerreto-Telese-Sant'Agata de' Goti, the Province of the Friars Minor «Santa Maria delle Grazie» of Sannio and Irpinia, and the Municipality of Airola. In the weeks leading up to Epiphany, preparation also includes an Advent catechesis program, a sign of how deeply rooted the re-enactment is in parish life.

Airola and the Valle Caudina

Airola is located roughly halfway between Benevento and Caserta, in the Valle Caudina, which in ancient times was the theater of the Samnite Wars. Its historic center preserves noble palaces, churches, and convents that, on the afternoon of Epiphany, become the natural stage for the procession: following the Wise Men means crossing a showcase of 17th and 18th-century Sannio architecture.

For those visiting Campania out of season, the Cavalcade is a precious opportunity: a free, authentic, and non-touristy event where the local population is the protagonist rather than a spectator. It is a unique way to close the holiday season, far from the beaten paths of the Gulf of Naples. It is advisable to arrive an hour early and follow the procession on foot: Herod's palace, the grotto, and the church each offer very different atmospheres.