Festa in onore della Madonna delle Grotte
Three days of pilgrimages, concerts, and fireworks in the village at the foot of the Mainarde mountains
About Madonna delle Grotte
The most heartfelt festival in Rocchetta
In Rocchetta a Volturno, a village in the Alto Volturno area in the province of Isernia at the foot of the Mainarde mountains, the Festa della Madonna delle Grotte is the most anticipated summer event. Between August 21st and 23rd, the town experiences three days that intertwine Marian devotion, popular traditions, and great musical evenings, organized by the Parish of the Assumption of Mary.
Pilgrimages and processions
The festival is preceded by a pilgrimage on foot to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Canneto, in Molise, starting from the town on August 18th and returning on August 20th. On August 21st, the pilgrims make their entrance into Rocchetta: from the hamlet of Rocchetta Alta, the procession descends to Piazza San Domenico, the heart of the celebrations. The Chiesa della Madonna delle Grotte, built from local porous stone, is the religious focal point of the celebration.
Music, fireworks, and San Domenico
The evenings are enlivened by big names: in recent editions, Nomadi have graced the stage, while the popular Southern Italian music orchestra and a disco party have closed the nights of celebration. Midnight on the Madonna's feast day is illuminated by fireworks, and on August 23rd, the feast of San Domenico completes the calendar. Food stalls with local products accompany all the days.
Madonna delle Grotte — edition 2026
In 2026, Rocchetta a Volturno renews from August 21st to 23rd the festival in honor of the Madonna delle Grotte. The program follows tradition: pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Canneto in the preceding days, arrival of pilgrims and procession from Rocchetta Alta to Piazza San Domenico, solemn Masses, grand musical evenings, and fireworks. The detailed artistic program will be announced by the Parish of the Assumption of Mary in the weeks prior.
Programme Madonna delle Grotte 2026
August 21st — Arrival of pilgrims
- 7:00 PM — arrival of pilgrims from the Sanctuary of Canneto; procession from Rocchetta Alta to Piazza San Domenico
- Evening — concert/musical performance
August 22nd — Madonna's Day
- 9:30 AM — Mass in the Church of the Assumption
- 11:00 AM — Mass in the Sanctuary of the Madonna delle Grotte
- Evening — grand concert in the square
- Midnight — fireworks
August 23rd — Feast of San Domenico
- 11:00 AM — Mass in honor of San Domenico
- Evening — disco party and lottery drawing
The 2026 artistic lineup and definitive times will be announced by the parish in the preceding weeks.
Highlights Madonna delle Grotte 2026
Prices Madonna delle Grotte 2026
Practical information — Madonna delle Grotte
When
From August 21st to 23rd. Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Canneto from August 18th to 20th.
Where
Piazza San Domenico and Chiesa della Madonna delle Grotte, in Rocchetta a Volturno (IS).
How to get there
Rocchetta a Volturno is located in the Alto Volturno, at the foot of the Mainarde mountains, reachable from Isernia in the direction of Castel San Vincenzo.
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Where does it take place — Madonna delle Grotte
Piazza San Domenico — Chiesa Madonna delle Grotte