Celebrations in Honor of the Madonna del Sabato Santo
Corropoli's grand Marian feast: a blend of faith, tradition, and live music
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About May 21st Festival
A tradition spanning over a century
The Celebrations in Honor of the Madonna del Sabato Santo are the most significant event in Corropoli, a village in the province of Teramo, Abruzzo, overlooking the Vibrata River valley. Celebrated without interruption since May 21, 1916—through times of both peace and war—the festival bridges the gap between religious devotion and civic celebration. It is organized by the Associazione 21 Maggio, a committee of local citizens that engages the entire community.
The miracle of 1915
The devotion is rooted in an episode passed down through generations. On May 21, 1915, on the eve of Italy's entry into World War I, the statue of the Madonna del Sabato Santo reportedly moved her eyes before the faithful, as if to warn the town of impending tragedy. This miraculous movement of the pupils was said to have occurred several times until September of that year and, according to tradition, again in 1942, toward the end of the Second World War. Since then, Corropoli has renewed its vow to the Virgin every year.
The statue and the sanctuary
The venerated effigy is housed in the Church of Sant'Agnese, which was elevated to a Marian sanctuary in the town's historic center. The sculpture depicts the Virgin of Sorrows, wearing a red tunic and blue mantle, with a crown and a pierced heart; it is attributed to the Marche school of art. Next to the church stands a 15th-century bell tower, a work by Antonio da Lodi and one of the oldest in the Teramo area.
Between the sacred and the secular
The most solemn moment takes place on the morning of May 21, with Holy Mass and the procession of the Madonna's statue through the streets, accompanied by a marching band and fireworks. In the following evenings, the festival comes alive with children's entertainment, free concerts by nationally renowned artists, a charity lottery, and a grand fireworks display that closes the festivities under the Corropoli sky.
Why it's worth attending
- One of the oldest and most deeply felt Marian festivals in the Teramo region.
- Major free concerts held in the town square.
- The evocative traditional procession featuring a brass band and fireworks.
- An authentic immersion into the identity and devotion of the Vibrata Valley.
May 21st Festival — edition 2026
In 2026, Corropoli prepares to renew its most cherished festival, dedicated to the Madonna del Sabato Santo. The event traditionally revolves around May 21st, with Holy Mass and the procession of the statue through the historic center, followed on subsequent evenings by shows, free concerts, and fireworks.
The definitive dates and the detailed program for the 2026 edition have not yet been published by the Associazione 21 Maggio, the event organizer. The full schedule, including guest artists and times, is usually released in the weeks leading up to the festival via the official channels of the Municipality of Corropoli and the association.
Practical information — May 21st Festival
Getting there
Corropoli is located in the northern part of the Teramo province, in Abruzzo, just a few kilometers from the Adriatic coast. By car, it can be reached via the A14 motorway (Val Vibrata exit), continuing inland. The nearest train station is Alba Adriatica-Nereto-Controguerra on the Adriatic line, from which you can continue by bus or taxi.
Admission and concerts
Religious celebrations and evening concerts in the square are generally free of charge. Services are held in the Church of Sant'Agnese, while civic events animate the town center.
Tips
The May 21st procession is the most crowded moment: it is advisable to arrive early to witness the departure of the statue. On concert nights, the town fills with visitors from across the valley; it is best to park in the peripheral areas and walk to the center.
Information
Municipality of Corropoli, tel. +39 0861 80651 — Associazione 21 Maggio.
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Where does it take place — May 21st Festival
Chiesa di Sant'Agnese (Santuario della Madonna del Sabato Santo)