Patronal Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Grace (Pentecost / Perdonanza)

A patronal feast rooted in the history of Civitella Casanova

In the heart of the Pescara hinterland, the village of Civitella Casanova celebrates its patron saint, the Blessed Virgin Mary of Grace, each year in one of the most anticipated events in inland Abruzzo. The festival falls on Pentecost Sunday and continues over the following two days, Monday and Tuesday, following a movable date that changes annually according to the liturgical calendar. For three days, the town unites around its religious and community identity, blending deep devotion with public festivities.

The Perdonanza and the legacy of the Cistercian monks

The spiritual core of the solemnity is the Perdonanza, the ancient Plenary Indulgence that the faithful can obtain during these days. This is a historical legacy linked to the presence of the Cistercian monks of the Abbey of Casanova, one of the most important monastic settlements in the region, which has shaped the faith and traditions of the municipality over the centuries. It is from this ancient root that the penitential and spiritual value of the festival derives, adding a profound religious significance to the popular dimension.

The procession and the 19th-century statue

A central moment of the celebrations is the solemn procession, during which the venerated 19th-century statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Grace, adorned with ancient ex-votos donated by the faithful over the centuries, travels through the streets of the historic center. Balconies are decorated with drapes and blankets according to tradition, while rose petals are scattered along the route. The religious parade is accompanied by musical bands, including the "Città di Collecorvino" Band and the "Città di Chieti" Grand Symphonic Band.

Music and entertainment in Piazza Risorgimento

Alongside the religious rites, the festival offers three evenings of free music and entertainment in Piazza Risorgimento, the beating heart of village life. Concerts, show orchestras, circus artists, clowns, and jugglers entertain visitors of all ages, while the final fireworks display brings the three days of festivities to a spectacular close. A blend of the sacred and the profane that perfectly represents the spirit of Abruzzo's patronal feasts, where faith intertwines with the conviviality and hospitality of the community.

An identity-defining event for inland Abruzzo

The Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Grace is not just a religious recurrence: it is a moment when the community of Civitella Casanova reaffirms its roots, drawing emigrants and visitors back to the village. Those who arrive during these days discover a small Abruzzo center dressed for the occasion, filled with the scent of roses, the sound of bands, and the intimate atmosphere of a centuries-old tradition passed down from generation to generation.