Madonna della Pace Festival
The most cherished Marian feast in Giugliano in Campania, blending faith, tradition, and the evocative Flight of the Angel.
About Madonna della Pace
An ancient devotion in the heart of Giugliano
The Madonna della Pace Festival is the most beloved religious celebration in Giugliano in Campania, a populous city in the province of Naples, in the heart of Campania. Every year, between late May and early June, the historic center gathers around the Sanctuary of Maria SS. Annunziata to honor the figure whom the locals affectionately call the "zingarella," the city's co-patron, officially recognized by the Vatican as a "minor patron" as early as 1739.
The legend of the statue and the name of Peace
Tradition traces the small statue back to the Byzantine era: having arrived in Giugliano after the fall of Byzantium, the statue was reportedly discovered by farmers and transported on an ox-drawn cart to the first church they encountered, the Annunziata, where it is still kept today. This is the origin of the ox-cart ritual that accompanies the celebrations. The title "della Pace" (of Peace), according to popular legend, arose from the reconciliation of two rival families who laid down their disputes at the feet of the Madonna.
The Flight of the Angel
The most spectacular and anticipated moment is the Flight of the Angel: young girls, dressed in white and suspended in the air several meters high, portray angels and the Archangel Gabriel, scattering petals and reciting praises as they approach the statue of the Madonna. It is an emotionally charged ritual that draws thousands of faithful and curious onlookers to the city streets.
Faith, processions, and the Seven Mondays
The religious calendar includes novenas, the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Solemn Vespers, the Eucharistic Procession, the enthronement of the statue of Maria SS. della Pace, and solemn Eucharistic celebrations. The devotion is also expressed through the tradition of the Seven Mondays, prayer meetings at the Sanctuary, and the processions that traverse the various city districts on the preceding Sundays.
Music and popular participation
Alongside the spiritual dimension, the festival offers moments of great civic and musical participation in the square, with free concerts, shows, and a singing contest dedicated to emerging local voices. The event is organized by the Confraternity and the Sanctuary of Maria SS. Annunziata with the support of the Municipality of Giugliano in Campania and the collaboration of the Pro Loco, in an intertwining of the sacred and the popular that represents one of the strongest identity traits of the Giugliano community.
Madonna della Pace — edition 2026
2026 Edition: "È qui, è pace"
The solemn 2026 festivities in honor of the Madonna della Pace, co-patron of Giugliano in Campania, were presented at a press conference at the Sanctuary of Maria SS. Annunziata. The program, under the slogan "È qui, è pace," combined deep popular devotion with moments of entertainment and music, with the goal of also promoting the restoration of the Madonna's chapel. Preparations began as early as April 12th with Sunday processions through the districts.
The Flight of the Angel
The traditional Flight of the Angel was confirmed, with the young girls starring in the ritual: Giulia Pezzella, Isa Gervasio, Maria Vittoria Maraucci, Katia Truppa, and, as a reserve, Vittoria Belluomo.
Musical evenings
Among the civic events, the singing contest "Una voce per la pace – Giugliano Festival" and the concert by Neapolitan singer-songwriter Andrea Sannino, both with free admission in the market area.
Programme Madonna della Pace 2026
Religious celebrations
- From April 12th: Sunday processions in the city districts in preparation for the festival
- Novenas, exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Solemn Vespers, and Eucharistic Procession
- Enthronement of the statue of Maria SS. della Pace and solemn Eucharistic celebrations
- The traditional Flight of the Angel
Musical events (market area, free admission)
- Thursday, May 28th, 9:00 PM — "Una voce per la pace – Giugliano Festival," contest for emerging voices hosted by Francesco Mennillo, godmother Giusy Attanasio
- Friday, May 29th, 9:00 PM — Concert by Andrea Sannino, with an opening by Fatima Trotta
Highlights Madonna della Pace 2026
- The evocative Flight of the Angel with girls suspended in the air
- The free concert by Andrea Sannino in the market area
- The singing contest "Una voce per la pace – Giugliano Festival" with godmother Giusy Attanasio
- The processions and the ritual of the ox-drawn cart
- The edition's slogan: "È qui, è pace"
Prices Madonna della Pace 2026
Practical information — Madonna della Pace
Getting there
Giugliano in Campania is accessible by car via the Asse Mediano and the Circumvallazione Esterna of Naples; the Sanctuary of Maria SS. Annunziata is located in the historic center. By train, the reference station is Naples, which is then connected by suburban bus lines.
Admission
Religious events and concerts in the square are free of charge.
Tips
During the main evenings and the Flight of the Angel, the center is very crowded: it is recommended to arrive early and follow the signs for traffic and parking.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Madonna della Pace
Santuario di Maria SS. Annunziata