Christ of the Abyss Festival

The sailors' festival of Vallevò

The Christ of the Abyss Festival is one of the most cherished traditions of Vallevò, a small fishing district in the municipality of Rocca San Giovanni, in the province of Chieti, the heart of the famous Costa dei Trabocchi in Abruzzo. Every summer, the community gathers to pay tribute to the submerged statue of Christ, a symbol of protection for those who live by the sea and a memorial to those who have lost their lives in the waves.

The submerged statue

The Christ of the Abyss is a 73-centimeter-tall bronze sculpture weighing about 15 kilos, created by sculptor Vito Pancella for the Orsa Minore diving association of Lanciano. Since August 7, 1994, it has rested six meters deep on the seabed in front of the Vallevò harbor, where it has become a diving destination and a landmark of identity for the entire coast. In 2018, the statue was stolen, but fortunately recovered and solemnly returned to the sea, a testament to the deep bond between the village and its monument.

Faith, sea, and community

The festival intertwines religious devotion with maritime culture: the day is traditionally marked by mass, the blessing of the sea and the fishermen, and convivial moments overlooking the Adriatic. The boats of Vallevò's small fleet participate in the rites, while the district comes alive with music and open-air evenings that keep residents and visitors entertained until nightfall.

The Costa dei Trabocchi

Celebrating the Christ of the Abyss means immersing yourself in the soul of the Costa dei Trabocchi, the stretch of the Abruzzo coastline dotted with ancient trabocchi—the characteristic wooden fishing stilt houses that are now a symbol of slow tourism in the area. Rocca San Giovanni, with its historic center and the marina of Vallevò, is a key stop on the famous cycling and pedestrian greenway that follows the old Adriatic railway.

A highlight of the local summer

The Christ of the Abyss Festival is traditionally part of the summer program of Rocca San Giovanni, promoted by the municipality in collaboration with local associations. It is a perfect opportunity to discover Vallevò, taste Adriatic fish, and experience the hospitality of one of the most authentic villages on the Abruzzo coast.