Meeting of the Three Madonnas (Easter Monday) - Cappelle di Teano

A centuries-old devotion in the heart of the upper Caserta region

The Meeting of the Three Madonnas is the event that every Easter Monday — the Monday following Easter, locally known as Pasquetta — brings together the village of Cappelle, in the municipality of Teano (Province of Caserta, Campania). This is neither a food festival nor mere entertainment: it is a manifestation of popular devotion rooted in generations, where three neighboring communities — Cappelle, Fontanelle, and San Giuliano — gather around the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima delle Grazie to renew a rite passed down from father to son.

First-time visitors will discover an open-air liturgy that spans the entire day, weaving together faith, memory, and a sense of local belonging. It is a precious opportunity to understand how, in the Caserta hinterland, popular religiosity remains the social glue for these small villages.

Three processions, one embrace

The heart of the event is simple yet deeply moving. At 9:30 AM, the three processions depart simultaneously from their respective villages, each carrying its own Marian statue on shoulders, accompanied by confraternities, a brass band, and a long procession of the faithful. The three groups follow different routes but converge at the same point: the square of the Sanctuary in Cappelle.

Around 10:30 AM, the most anticipated moment occurs: the solemn meeting of the three Madonnas. The statues are brought close and bowed toward one another in a ritual gesture that locals interpret as an embrace between three sister communities. It is a moment filled with applause, singing, and emotion.

• Cappelle — the village hosting the Sanctuary and welcoming the other two processions
• Fontanelle — the procession arriving from its own parish
• San Giuliano — the third Marian procession of the day

The Sanctuary of Maria SS. delle Grazie

The Sanctuary of Maria SS. delle Grazie in Cappelle is the devotional reference point for the entire area. It is here that, after the statues meet, the solemn Holy Mass is celebrated—the central moment of the day—with the faithful from all three villages gathered in a single assembly. The church and its square remain open throughout the day, animated by the coming and going of visitors.

Brass bands, market stalls, and daytime fireworks

The liturgical dimension is complemented by a festive atmosphere, which is an integral part of the tradition. From the morning, the perimeter of the Sanctuary fills with market stalls, candy and nougat vendors, craft stands, and street food stations, following the typical script of Campanian patronal feasts.

At 12:30 PM, it is time for the brass bands: three groups, one for each village, perform repertoires alternating between religious music and traditional folk songs. At 2:00 PM, the processions begin their return journey to their respective villages, greeted by daytime fireworks—the classic pyrotechnic displays that close the day with their thunderous sound.

In memory of Father Italo Vicario

Recent editions have taken on a special significance: they are dedicated to the memory of Father Italo Vicario, the historic rector of the Sanctuary and a spiritual guide for all three communities, who passed away on December 5, 2024. During the Eucharistic celebration, a moment of reflection is reserved in his memory, and his figure has been frequently mentioned in the stories and testimonies of the faithful.

Teano, a destination for a day trip

Teano is one of the most interesting historic centers in the upper Caserta region of Campania, and its municipal area includes numerous villages scattered among hills and countryside at the foot of Mount Roccamonfina. Participating in the Meeting of the Three Madonnas means discovering an authentic piece of the province, far from the beaten tourist tracks, on a day—Easter Monday—that in Italy is traditionally dedicated to outings and conviviality.

What to expect

• A free, open-air event open to everyone
• Great local participation: it is the one day of the year when the three villages reunite
• A meditative atmosphere during the processions and mass, becoming more festive in the afternoon
• An ideal occasion for families and those who love photographing popular traditions