Festa Patronale della Madonna di Costantinopoli

A festival with ancient roots

The Festival of the Madonna di Costantinopoli is the main religious event in Noepoli, a small municipality in the Province of Potenza nestled in the Pollino National Park, in an area also marked by Arbëreshë culture. The festival's origins are very ancient, probably dating back to the 8th century, making it one of the most evocative celebrations in the upper Sarmento valley.

Processions, 'ciri', and 'gregne'

In the past, the festival was spread over three days, from August 4th to 6th; today, the climax is on August 6th. The day begins with the morning procession in the Terra district, followed in the afternoon by processions in the Casale and Fontanino districts. Women bring 'ciri' and 'gregne' to the Mother Church – wooden thrones adorned with candles or sheaves of wheat – for blessing: a votive offering that intertwines faith and peasant culture.

The tarantella, the bagpipe, and the 'incanto'

In front of the Chapel of the Madonna di Costantinopoli, women perform a characteristic tarantella to the sound of bagpipes ('zampogna') and accordion ('organetto'), in one of the most iconic moments of the festival. There is also the 'incanto' (auction) of typical products offered by devotees, while the day concludes with popular music concerts and fireworks displays.

A bridge to the East

Until the 1960s, the festival also included a Mass in the Greek-Catholic rite, a testament to Noepoli's deep historical-religious connection with the Christian East and its dialogue with the Eastern Churches. Participating in the festival means connecting with a layered Basilicata, where popular tradition, devotion, and Byzantine memory still coexist today.