Patronal Feast in Honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (The Flight of the Angel)

A patronal feast in the heart of Capodrise

The Patronal Feast in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the most anticipated religious and popular event of the year in Capodrise, a small town in the province of Caserta, Campania. Linked to the liturgical feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, held on July 16th, the festival combines devotional and civic dimensions, bringing the entire Capodrise community together around the Church of Sant'Andrea Apostolo, the town's spiritual heart.

For generations, the people of Capodrise have gathered during these summer days to renew their bond with their patron saint, through moments of prayer, traditional rites, music, and conviviality that bring the town's squares and streets to life.

The Flight of the Angel, a rite since 1901

The most iconic and moving moment of the festival is the Flight of the Angel, which takes place on the parvis and steps of the Church of Sant'Andrea Apostolo. A child, dressed as an angel and suspended in the air, symbolically performs their "flight" to pay homage to the Madonna: a gesture that recalls Mary's "yes" at the Annunciation and draws a moved crowd to the foot of the church every year.

The first documented record of this rite in Capodrise dates back to 1901, making it one of the oldest and most deeply rooted religious traditions in the Caserta area. Due to its spectacular nature, the Flight of the Angel has occasionally been subject to safety regulations and inspections by public security authorities, confirming the massive popular participation it attracts.

The procession of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

The Flight of the Angel is followed by the solemn procession with the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, carried on shoulders through the streets and alleys of Capodrise. Accompanied by a marching band, clergy, and the faithful, the procession winds through the town in a long parade of devotion, illuminated by traditional lights and marked by Marian hymns.

The festive days are rounded off by liturgical celebrations in the parish church, evening musical performances, and, in keeping with the custom of Southern Italian patronal feasts, a fireworks display that concludes the festivities.

2026 Edition: "The Stars of Our Lady of Mount Carmel"

The 2026 edition featured a special moment dedicated to the community and the younger generation. As part of the festivities, the San Donato Committee, led by parish priest Father Giuseppe Di Bernardo, organized a summer workshop with about twenty local children who created a four-meter-tall art installation titled "The Stars of Our Lady of Mount Carmel", built entirely from recycled materials. The work was inaugurated and donated to the community on Friday, July 17, 2026, following the 7:00 PM Holy Mass on the parvis of the Church of Sant'Andrea Apostolo, with free admission.

Tradition, community, and territory

More than just a religious festival, the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel represents a powerful moment of collective identity for Capodrise. In a territory like the province of Caserta, which is rich in summer patronal feasts, the Flight of the Angel of Capodrise stands out for its century-old history and the involvement of entire families, committees, and volunteers. For those visiting Campania in mid-July, it is an opportunity to discover an authentic popular tradition, far from the major tourist circuits and deeply rooted in the life of the town.