Feast of Our Lady of Graces – Flight of the Angel
The flight of the child-angel over Vastogirardi's square
About Flight of the Angel
A tradition that has been flying since 1911
The Feast of Our Lady of Graces in Vastogirardi, a medieval village in Alto Molise in the province of Isernia, is famous for the evocative Flight of the Angel, a sacred representation passed down since 1911. A child of about six years old, dressed as an angel, is lowered by rope from a balcony to the statue of Our Lady placed in front of the church.
The rite of the three flights
The little angel performs three flights: on the evening of July 1st, he wears white wings, while on the morning of the following day, he wears blue wings. During the descent, he recites verses and pays homage to the Virgin, in a moment of strong collective emotion that draws the entire community to the village's central square.
Intangible Heritage
The sacred representation is recognized as part of Italian intangible cultural heritage (listed by the ICPI, Central Institute for Intangible Heritage). Together with the devotion to Saint Nicholas of Bari, the town's patron saint, the Flight of the Angel constitutes the core identity of Vastogirardi, attracting residents and returning emigrants every year.
Flight of the Angel — edition 2026
The Feast of Our Lady of Graces 2026 renewed its most anticipated rite in Vastogirardi. On the evening of July 1st, the child dressed as an angel, with white wings, performed his flight towards the statue of Our Lady in the central square; on the morning of July 2nd, the flight was repeated with blue wings.
The sacred representation, passed down since 1911 and recognized by Italian intangible heritage, intertwined with the celebrations in honor of Saint Nicholas of Bari, patron saint of the village in Alto Molise in the province of Isernia.
Programme Flight of the Angel 2026
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 — Central Square
- Evening — Flight of the Angel with the child with white wings (three flights on a rope towards the statue of Our Lady of Graces)
Thursday, July 2, 2026 — Central Square
- Morning — Flight of the Angel with the child with blue wings
- Celebrations in honor of Our Lady of Graces and Saint Nicholas of Bari
Highlights Flight of the Angel 2026
The flights of the child-angel, with white wings on the evening of July 1st and blue on the morning of July 2nd.
Prices Flight of the Angel 2026
Practical information — Flight of the Angel
How to get there
Vastogirardi is located in Alto Molise, in the province of Isernia, within the MAB Unesco Reserve of Collemeluccio-Montedimezzo. It can be reached by car from Isernia and the Agnone area.
Tips
The festival has free admission and takes place in the village's central square. The Flight of the Angel attracts many visitors: it is advisable to arrive early to witness the flights.
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Where does it take place — Flight of the Angel
Piazza centrale di Vastogirardi
Piazza centrale, 86089 Vastogirardi