Feast of Saint Vincent de Paul

A devotion spanning over two centuries

The Feast of Saint Vincent de Paul is one of the most deeply felt and defining events for Casagiove, a town in the province of Caserta, in Campania. The devotion to the French saint, the apostle of charity, has its roots in 1785, when Vincentian missionaries preached a fifteen-day popular mission in what was then the hamlet of Casanova. Since then, the cult has never been interrupted: as early as 1804, the name of Saint Vincent was officially added to the title of the Royal Archconfraternity of Saint Michael the Archangel, the historical guardian of the festival.

From horse races to today's festival

Popular memory preserves ancient customs linked to the celebrations: in July 1860, the prior of the archconfraternity requested authorization for a festival that included "a morning procession, horse racing, the so-called 'cappella' game, and fireworks." The famous horse race, moved to the countryside for public order reasons, is now just a memory, but it testifies to how deeply rooted this festival is in the soul of the community. The current format naturally blends the religious and civil dimensions in a tapestry of faith, tradition, and conviviality.

The spiritual heart: Piazza San Michele

The center of the festival is Piazza San Michele, dominated by the mother church and the chapel dedicated to the saint, where Eucharistic celebrations, moments of prayer, and the solemn evening liturgy—presided over in recent years by the Bishop of Aversa—take place. The most anticipated moment remains the procession of the statue of Saint Vincent, which winds through the streets of the center amidst the moving participation of the faithful, accompanied by the sound of the town band.

A people's festival

Surrounding the liturgical dimension, Casagiove transforms for days into a large festive space. The streets light up with illuminations, come alive with market stalls, rides for children, and food stands featuring the flavors of the Caserta tradition. There is no shortage of concerts and musical performances that involve the entire citizenry, along with cultural initiatives, prayer gatherings in courtyards, and events dedicated to families and children at the parish oratory.

A shared heritage

Organized by the San Michele Arcangelo Parish with the lay group named after the saint and the Vincentian missionaries, the festival is much more than a religious event: it is an intangible heritage that the Municipality of Casagiove preserves and passes on. On a hot July weekend, the entire community comes together across different generations to renew a sense of belonging made of faith, memory, and affection toward that "Vicchiarell'" who has watched over the town for over two centuries.