Living Passion of Castelluccio Valmaggiore

The Living Passion in the heart of the Monti Dauni

In the small village of Castelluccio Valmaggiore, nestled among the hills of the Subappennino Dauno in the province of Foggia, the Living Passion is much more than a performance: it is a collective ritual that involves the entire community. On Palm Sunday, the streets and squares of the historic centre are transformed into an evocative open-air theatre, where local actors and extras give voice and body to the final days of Jesus' life.

A tradition rediscovered after forty years

The return of this sacred re-enactment, which took place on March 29, 2026, was a deeply emotional moment for the people of Castelluccio. The tradition had been interrupted for about forty years and survived only in the memories of the village's elders. Its roots lie in the dedication of historical figures such as Father Michele Tangi and Professor Pasquale Cacchio, who were among the promoters of the original performance. Its revival carries a dual value: it offers an opportunity for religious reflection during Holy Week while simultaneously helping to preserve the village's historical memory.

The route: from the Garden of Olives to the crucifixion

The performance winds through the village streets, following key stages of the Gospel narrative:

• The Garden of Olives, featuring the prayer and the arrest of Jesus;
• The Trial, the moment of judgment before the people;
• The Via Crucis, the journey towards Calvary through the narrow alleys of the historic centre;
• The Crucifixion, the final and most intense scene of the entire re-enactment.

The audience follows the procession from station to station, immersed in a solemn and participatory atmosphere that bridges spiritual reflection with the rediscovery of folk traditions.

Organisers

The event is made possible through the collaboration between the Pro Loco of Castelluccio Valmaggiore, the Parish of San Giovanni, the «Li senz'art» theatre group, and the Fraternita di Misericordia. A collective effort that has restored a vital piece of the community's identity.

Castelluccio Valmaggiore, a village of the Subappennino Dauno

Located in the Celone Valley, the municipality of Castelluccio Valmaggiore is one of the charming villages of the Monti Dauni, in a northern part of Puglia that is lesser-known but rich in history and landscapes. For visitors, the Living Passion is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic corner of the Foggia province, with its stone alleys, religious traditions, and local hospitality.