Feast of Maria SS. dei Pozzi (Lauro di Sessa Aurunca)

One of the most heartfelt celebrations in the Aurunco territory

The Feast of Maria SS. dei Pozzi is the major annual event in the village of Lauro, part of the municipality of Sessa Aurunca in the province of Caserta, Campania. Celebrated every year on the second Sunday of May, it is one of the most significant moments for the entire Aurunco region, attracting worshippers and visitors not only from other Sessa districts but also from neighboring towns.

This is more than just a religious festival; it is a true collective ritual, rooted in an ancient past and passed down through generations, where the sacred and popular tradition coexist in perfect harmony. For those born in Lauro, returning home for the feast is an emotional necessity, and it is not uncommon for families who have emigrated to return specifically during this week in May.

The legend of the shepherdess and the three wells

The origin of the cult lies in a story that local tradition traces back to the 17th century. A young deaf-mute shepherdess was grazing her flock when, while chasing a lost lamb near a ravine, the Virgin appeared to her, enveloped in intense light. The Madonna asked her to tell the priest and the inhabitants to build a church on that spot, symbolically indicated as "above three wells." To confirm the message's authenticity, the girl miraculously regained her speech and hearing.

The miracle convinced the entire community to build the sanctuary, sparking a devotion that has remained unbroken for centuries and still defines Lauro in the eyes of the surrounding area today. The very name of the Madonna, "dei Pozzi" (of the Wells), preserves the memory of that sign.

Religious rites and the procession

The spiritual heart of the festival remains the Sanctuary of Maria SS. dei Pozzi, entrusted to the parish of the same name in the Diocese of Sessa Aurunca. During the main days, liturgical celebrations and prayer sessions take place, culminating in the procession with the image of the Madonna through the streets of the village, accompanied by the choral participation of the inhabitants.

A highly anticipated traditional element is the gathering of brass bands, which accompany the pageant and mark the days with the band concerts typical of Southern Italian patronal feasts: a sonic heritage that is an integral part of Lauro's festival identity.

Popular festivities: stalls, rides, and music

Alongside the rites, the secular side of the celebrations is organized by the festival committee: stalls along the village streets, fairground rides for children, food stands, and evening shows that bring the village to life for several days.

The most anticipated moment is the Tuesday evening concert, which officially closes the festival in Piazza Luigi Toro. Over the years, the Lauro stage has hosted very popular names in Italian music and entertainment, including:

• Al Bano and Orietta Berti, iconic performers of Italian song
• Red Canzian and Francesco Facchinetti
• Sal Da Vinci and comedian Biagio Izzo, for a very well-attended free evening
• Mietta in 2025 and Gianluca Capozzi in 2026

The concert is always free of charge: it is the community that offers the evening to visitors, following a logic of hospitality that has always accompanied patronal feasts in the South.

Lauro, Sessa Aurunca, and the territory

Lauro is a district of Sessa Aurunca with a parish serving about 2,200 inhabitants. The municipality of Sessa Aurunca is one of the largest in Campania, stretching between the slopes of the extinct Roccamonfina volcano, the Garigliano valley, and the Baia Domizia coastline: a territory where the inland countryside and the sea are just a few kilometers apart.

Sessa Aurunca is also known for the solemn Procession of the Mysteries on Good Friday, another identity-defining event in the area. Those arriving in Lauro in May will find not only a devotional event but also an opportunity to discover an authentic part of inland Campania, made of community, home-cooked food, and traditions that stand the test of time.