"La Castellana" Historical Pageant

A 14th-century legend brought to life in the heart of the Valle Caudina

The "La Castellana" Historical Pageant is a re-enactment that transports San Martino Valle Caudina, a town in the Province of Avellino, Campania, back to the Middle Ages every summer. The event is inspired by a 14th-century legend involving the Pignatelli della Leonessa family, who acquired the Lombard-era castle that still overlooks the village from its rocky ridge.

The story, passed down through generations, tells of the village women who wanted to give a gift to the new lady of the castle: for days, they carried baskets of soil up to the barren, rocky ground behind the manor, transforming it into a garden. This collective gesture of welcome was reciprocated by the feudal lord with days of celebration, a spirit that the August pageant continues to honor today before an audience that travels from across the region.

How the re-enactment unfolds

According to the structure documented by the Sistema Irpinia portal of the Province of Avellino, the day begins in the morning at Piazza Europa, where a town crier, accompanied by drummers, reads the legend of the Castellana to the public. In the evening, the main procession takes place: the long line of performers travels along Via Roma, continues down Corso Vittorio Emanuele, and concludes in Piazza XX Settembre.

• Street artists, who perform along the route as the parade advances;
• The court, which takes its place on the steps of the Church of San Giovanni Battista, where a young damsel listens to a serenade;
• Flag-wavers, with their intricate flag and drum choreography;
• Washerwomen and scenes of popular life that depict the daily routines of the medieval village;
• The knighting ceremony, the most solemn moment that brings the evening to a close.

Costumes, districts, and performers

The visual impact of the event lies primarily in the period costumes designed by Mimmo Pedoto, which have become a hallmark of the San Martino pageant over the years. These include attire for the ducal house, the nobility, and the commoners, worn by a cast representing the village's various districts. In some editions, the re-enactment has been enriched by the banners of other towns in the Valle Caudina and the participation of flag-waving groups from outside the region, alongside medieval-inspired games and tournaments like archery contests.

The context: San Martino's August and “Illumina la notte”

The pageant is not an isolated event; it is a highlight of the summer calendar in the Municipality of San Martino Valle Caudina, known as “Illumina la notte” (Light up the Night), which runs throughout August. The re-enactment is surrounded by concerts and literary tributes at the Castello della Duchessa and in the Palazzo Ducale gardens, the procession of Saint Anthony, the emigrant festival in Piazza XX Settembre, film screenings, and the Feast of Santa Maria Regina della Pace in the Crocevia district. The pageant is organized by the “La Piazzetta” Association, with the support of the Municipality and the local Pro Loco.

Why it's worth the trip

San Martino Valle Caudina is located in the valley made famous in ancient history by the Battle of the Caudine Forks, halfway between Benevento and Avellino. The historic center, nestled beneath the castle and crisscrossed by alleys and stairways, provides a natural stage for the pageant. On the night of the event, the illuminated facades and the passing procession create an unforgettable image of the village.

Visitors can combine the trip with a discovery of local Caudine gastronomy, from local cheeses and cured meats to cicatiello, the fresh pasta typical of the area, which the town celebrates with its own festival in the autumn. It is yet another reason to consider San Martino Valle Caudina a stop in an area of Irpinia that is off the beaten path but rich in popular traditions.