Festival of Saint Mary Magdalene of the Woods (Dance of Death)
Edition 2025 Finished Free Sacred music Storytelling Heritage

Festival of Saint Mary Magdalene of the Woods (Dance of Death)

20 Jul 2025 — 21 Jul 2025
Taggia — Imperia (008)

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Edition 2025 — Festival of Mary Magdalene

In 2025, the Festival of Saint Mary Magdalene of the Woods renewed its ancient rite in Taggia: the pilgrimage of the Maddalenanti to the hermitage in the woods and the famous Dance of Death, with lavender as the protagonist of the mime of death and resurrection, according to a tradition documented since 1381.

The 2025 edition confirmed the vitality of one of Liguria's oldest folk rites. The Maddalenanti completed the traditional pilgrimage to the hermitage in the woods, while the Dance of Death took place in the historic center of Taggia.

The mime, with "o masciu" and "a Lena" and the ritual use of lavender, re-enacted the millennial theme of the cycle of death and rebirth, preserved by the Company of Saint Mary Magdalene in the Argentina valley.

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Free access to rites and celebrations.

Where does it take place — Festival of Mary Magdalene

Centro storico di Taggia e Santuario di Santa Maria Maddalena

Contact Festival of Mary Magdalene

Festival of Mary Magdalene in brief

Sacred music Storytelling Heritage Folk traditions Folklore Outdoor Free Imperia

History of Festival of Mary Magdalene

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