Procession of the Silver Busts of the Patron Saints of Capua

A centuries-old tradition in the heart of Capua

In the city of Capua, located in the province of Caserta in the heart of the Campanian Terra di Lavoro, the first Saturday of May has for centuries been the day dedicated to the patron saints. The Procession of the Silver Busts is one of the most deeply rooted religious and identity-defining events in the region: a ritual that blends faith, art, and collective memory, bringing the entire Capuan community together around the effigies of its protectors.

The silver effigies and the statue of Saint Vincent

The heart of the procession consists of the seven silver reliquary busts of the city's patrons: Saint Stephen, Saint Agatha, Our Lady of Sorrows, Saint Cajetan of Thiene, Saint Andrew Avellino, Saint Irene, and Saint Sebastian. They are accompanied by the wooden statue of Saint Vincent Ferrer, the only non-silver image in the procession. These busts, crafted by Neapolitan silversmiths during the 18th century based on designs attributed to renowned painters, represent a sacred art heritage of extraordinary value, kept in the Cathedral and displayed to the public on this very occasion.

Ancient origins

The roots of Capuan devotion date back, according to tradition, to the 6th century, when Bishop Germanus is said to have received the relics of Saints Stephen and Agatha from Emperor Justin I. The solemn commemoration of the patrons, as we know it today, solidified between the late 16th century and the following decades, replacing older forms of city festivals and adopting the form of the procession of the effigies.

The ritual and the participants

The day begins with Solemn Mass in the Cathedral; at the end of the service, the busts are placed on the shoulders of the accollatori (bearers) and make their way through the historic center. The transport is led and supported by the Capuan Accollatori Association, joined by confraternities, religious groups, and the city's civil and military representatives. The procession, promoted by the Archdiocese of Capua, traverses the main streets and squares of the center before returning to the Cathedral, where the rite concludes in prayer and reflection.

An identity-defining event

For Capua, the procession of the silver busts is not just a liturgical event, but a moment when the city on the Volturno rediscovers its history and its deep bond with its patron saints. Those visiting Campania during this period will find in Capua an authentic opportunity to experience a living popular tradition, far from mass tourism and deeply rooted in the local community.