Festa della Madonna delle Grazie – Volo dell'Angelo
The flight of the child-angel over Vastogirardi's square
About Volo dell'Angelo
A tradition that has been flying since 1911
The Festa della Madonna delle Grazie in Vastogirardi, a medieval village in Alto Molise in the province of Isernia, is famous for the evocative Volo dell'Angelo, 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 the Madonna 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 intense collective emotion that brings the entire community to the village's central square.
Intangible Heritage
The sacred representation is recognised as part of Italy's intangible cultural heritage (catalogued by the ICPI, Central Institute for Intangible Heritage). Together with the devotion to San Nicola di Bari, the town's patron saint, the Volo dell'Angelo forms the core identity of Vastogirardi, attracting residents and returning emigrants every year.
Volo dell'Angelo — edition 2026
The Festa della Madonna delle Grazie 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 the Madonna 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 recognised by Italy's intangible heritage, intertwined with the celebrations in honour of San Nicola di Bari, patron saint of the village in Alto Molise, province of Isernia.
Programme Volo dell'Angelo 2026
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 — Central Square
- Evening — Volo dell'Angelo with the child in white wings (three flights on a rope towards the statue of the Madonna delle Grazie)
Thursday, July 2, 2026 — Central Square
- Morning — Volo dell'Angelo with the child in blue wings
- Celebrations in honour of the Madonna delle Grazie and San Nicola di Bari
Highlights Volo dell'Angelo 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 Volo dell'Angelo 2026
Practical information — Volo dell'Angelo
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 Volo dell'Angelo attracts many visitors: it is advisable to arrive early to witness the flights.
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Where does it take place — Volo dell'Angelo
Piazza centrale di Vastogirardi
Piazza centrale, 86089 Vastogirardi