Patronal Feast of Saint Helena the Empress

A festival that captures the soul of Casapesenna

In the heart of summer, the town of Casapesenna, a small center in the Aversa area of the Province of Caserta, gathers to honor its patron, Saint Helena the Empress. From August 14th to 18th, the streets fill with worshippers, music, and color for one of the most heartfelt patronal feasts in this part of Campania, an event that perfectly blends religious devotion with local identity.

Saint Helena, the Patron Saint

Mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, Saint Helena is revered in Christian tradition for her role in spreading Christianity and, according to legend, for discovering the True Cross. In Casapesenna, her figure has been a powerful unifying force for generations: faith, protection, and a sense of belonging are woven into the devotion toward the saint, celebrated annually on August 18th.

The «Purtature 'i Sant'Elena»

The most anticipated and distinctive moment is the procession, known by its local dialect name, «Purtature 'i Sant'Elena». Bearers, organized into groups led by the Capurale, accompany the saint's statue through the town streets, performing rhythmic, almost military-style choreography that makes this ritual unique. The procession culminates in the spectacular final dash toward the church, the famous «'o trase e jesce». Passed down since the post-WWII era, the Purtature is now a proud symbol of identity for the community.

The Religious and Secular Program

The days begin with religious rites: novenas, Eucharistic adoration, and the solemn Holy Mass in the parish church dedicated to Saint Helena, accompanied by the town band and local confraternities. Beyond the spiritual dimension, the secular program enlivens the evenings with:

• live concerts and musical performances by local and regional artists;
• cabaret nights and folk performances;
• food stalls featuring specialties of Campanian cuisine;
• craft markets and activities for families and children;
• a spectacular fireworks display to conclude the festivities.

A Community Gathering

More than just a local festival, the Patronal Feast of Saint Helena the Empress is a moment for Casapesenna to come together, bridging the sacred and the profane to renew its roots. For visitors, it is an opportunity to discover an authentic tradition of the Caserta hinterland, far from mainstream tourist circuits and deeply connected to the life of the territory.