Feast of the Cross — Monte Santa Croce
On May 1st, the hike and open-air mass on the summit of Monte Santa Croce, above Venafro
About Feast of the Cross
May 1st on the Summit of Monte Santa Croce
In Venafro (province of Isernia), May 1st has for decades coincided with the Feast of the Cross: a collective hike to the summit of Monte Santa Croce, the mountain overlooking the town. Started in the early eighties, the festival is now one of the most heartfelt and well-attended in the Venafro area, attracting hikers, families, and devotees every year.
Ascent, Open-Air Mass, and Conviviality
The day begins early in the morning with the ascent, along two alternative routes: a shorter but steeper one (from Castello Pandone to the Church of Madonna delle Grazie) and a longer, less strenuous one (from Conca Casale). At the summit, an open-air mass is celebrated on the typical altar at the peak, followed by a large spaghetti meal offered by the organizers, tastings of local dishes, cheeses, and wines, and a rich lottery.
Popular Games and Tradition
The afternoon is dedicated to entertainment and popular games — tug-of-war, piñata breaking — and symbolic moments such as the election of Miss Santa Croce and the awarding of prizes to the youngest and oldest participants. The festival is organized by the Amici di Santa Croce (Friends of Santa Croce), heirs of the historic founder Giovanni Valerio, who is remembered each year with a dedicated mass.
Feast of the Cross — edition 2026
The Feast of the Cross returns on May 1st, 2026, to the summit of Monte Santa Croce, following the 41st edition in 2025. The day, organized by the Amici di Santa Croce, follows the established format: ascent along the two classic routes, open-air mass at altitude, spaghetti meal, tastings of local products, popular games, election of Miss Santa Croce, and awards. The detailed schedule will be communicated in the weeks leading up to the event.
Programme Feast of the Cross 2026
Detailed program coming soon. Based on recent editions, the day unfolds as follows:
- Early morning — Start of the ascent along the two routes (Castello Pandone / Conca Casale)
- Morning — Open-air mass at altitude, in memory of the founder Giovanni Valerio
- Noon — Election of Miss Santa Croce and prizes for the youngest and oldest participants
- Lunchtime — Giant spaghetti meal offered by the organizers, with tastings of local dishes, cheeses, and wines
- Afternoon — Music and popular games (tug-of-war, piñata breaking), lottery draw
- Late afternoon — Return
Organization: Amici di Santa Croce.
Highlights Feast of the Cross 2026
Prices Feast of the Cross 2026
Practical information — Feast of the Cross
When
May 1st. Ascent starting from the early morning hours (around 7:00 AM), return in the late afternoon.
Where
Summit of Monte Santa Croce, above Venafro (IS).
Routes
Two itineraries: from Castello Pandone towards the Church of Madonna delle Grazie (shorter and steeper) or from Conca Casale (longer and less strenuous).
How to get there
Venafro is reachable by car via the SS85 and has a train station. The festival requires a hike: trekking shoes and mountain-appropriate clothing are recommended.
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Where does it take place — Feast of the Cross
Cima del Monte Santa Croce, Venafro
Monte Santa Croce, 86079 Venafro