Madonna che Scappa in Piazza
The Easter rite of Sulmona, where the Virgin Mary runs to meet the Risen Christ
About Madonna che Scappa
An Easter rite in the heart of Sulmona
Every year on Easter Sunday morning, the historic center of Sulmona, in the province of L'Aquila, comes to a standstill to witness one of the most intense and spectacular sacred rites in Abruzzo and all of Italy: the Madonna che Scappa in Piazza. The scene unfolds in Piazza Garibaldi, a vast medieval square dominated by the arches of the Acquedotto Svevo. For this occasion, the square transforms into an open-air theater, with balconies, terraces, windows, and staircases becoming prime viewing spots.
How the run takes place
The statue of the Madonna, kept in the Church of San Filippo Neri, emerges wrapped in a black mourning cloak. The statues of Saint Peter and Saint John announce the Resurrection and invite the Virgin to come out three times; the first two attempts fail, but at the third, the doors open. The Madonna slowly crosses the square until, suddenly, she catches sight of the statue of the Risen Christ under the aqueduct arches. That is the moment the run begins: as the Virgin rushes toward her Son, the black cloak falls to reveal a green dress—a symbol of hope and rebirth—the white handkerchief transforms into a red rose, and twelve white doves take flight over the square.
Symbolism and tradition
Popular tradition holds that the run must go smoothly for the year to be prosperous: the high flight of the doves, the clean fall of the veil, and the fluidity of the run are all considered good omens for the community. This ritual, which traces its roots back to the 17th century, weaves together faith, sacred theater, and local identity.
The Confraternita di Santa Maria di Loreto
Every detail of the event is managed by the historic Confraternita di Santa Maria di Loreto, whose members parade in white robes with their characteristic green sashes. They are the ones who carry the statue and guide the run through the square, a gesture passed down from generation to generation. The Madonna che Scappa is more than just a religious appointment: it is the moment when Sulmona rediscovers its soul and welcomes thousands of visitors from across Abruzzo and beyond to witness this unique rite.
Madonna che Scappa — edition 2026
The 2026 Madonna che Scappa in Piazza was held on Sunday, April 5, Easter Day, in Piazza Garibaldi, Sulmona (AQ). The event, organized by the Confraternita di Santa Maria di Loreto, drew thousands of people to the historic center, favored by a day of beautiful weather.
For the second consecutive year, for safety reasons, the traditional firecrackers that historically accompanied the moment of the run were banned. Despite the absence of the bangs, the rite retained its full emotional power: the statue of the Virgin, having emerged from the Church of San Filippo Neri wrapped in her black mourning cloak, ran to meet the Risen Christ, revealing her green dress, the red rose, and the twelve white doves. The run was fluid, and the black veil lifted into the air during the course, an element considered a very good omen.
Programme Madonna che Scappa 2026
Easter Sunday — April 5, 2026
- Morning — The statue of the Madonna emerges from the Church of San Filippo Neri, wrapped in her black mourning cloak.
- Around noon — The statues of Saint Peter and Saint John invite the Virgin to come out into the square three times; at the third invitation, the Madonna advances into Piazza Garibaldi.
- Climax — When the Virgin catches sight of the Risen Christ under the arches of the Acquedotto Svevo, the run begins: the black cloak falls, the green dress appears, the handkerchief becomes a red rose, and twelve white doves take flight.
For the 2026 edition, the L'Aquila Police Headquarters banned firecrackers for safety reasons for the second consecutive year.
Highlights Madonna che Scappa 2026
Prices Madonna che Scappa 2026
Practical information — Madonna che Scappa
Location
The rite takes place in Piazza Garibaldi, in the historic center of Sulmona (AQ), under the arches of the Acquedotto Svevo. The statue departs from the Church of San Filippo Neri.
When
Easter Sunday morning, with the run taking place around noon.
Admission
The event is free and takes place outdoors. Given the large crowds, it is advisable to arrive well in advance to secure a good viewing spot in the square, on the stairs, or from the overlooking balconies.
How to get there
Sulmona is accessible by train (station on the Rome-Pescara line) and by car via the A25 motorway. The historic center is pedestrianized: it is recommended to park in the outer areas and reach Piazza Garibaldi on foot.
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Where does it take place — Madonna che Scappa
Piazza Garibaldi
Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, 67039 Sulmona