Saint Michael the Archangel Festival

The devotional festival of Carbonara di Nola

Every year, at the beginning of September, the small village of Carbonara di Nola, resting at the foot of Mount Cicala in the Naples metropolitan area, gathers for the Saint Michael the Archangel Festival. It is one of the most cherished traditions for the local community, a time when religious devotion blends with popular celebration, drawing back emigrants and families connected to this land in the Nola area.

A devotion distinct from the patronal feast

It is important to note that this festival is separate from the patronal feast of Saints Cosma and Damiano: in Carbonara di Nola, Saint Michael the Archangel holds a unique and ancient devotion, carefully preserved by the community over time. In recent years, the statue of the Archangel has been temporarily housed at the Sanctuary of Saints Cosma and Damiano due to renovation work at the Annunziata church, and the celebrations now depart from this sanctuary.

Novena, masses, and processions

The spiritual heart of the festival is the novena, which prepares the faithful over the nine preceding days with the rosary and evening mass. On the main day, a solemn mass is celebrated in the morning, followed by processions that wind through the upper and lower parts of the village: the statue of the Archangel is carried on shoulders along streets decorated for the occasion, amidst the moving participation of the residents. An evening Eucharistic celebration concludes the liturgical portion of the day.

Neapolitan music in the square

As evening falls, the festival takes on a new energy, lighting up with music and songs. In Piazzetta Santi Medici, a grand Neapolitan music concert takes center stage, which over the years has featured both traditional Neapolitan performers and emerging artists, blending classic melodies with festive rhythms. It is the moment when the entire community gathers under the stage for an evening of shared joy that brings the day of faith to a lively close.

The Briganti della Fede: a committee of young people

The organizational soul of the festival is the Saint Michael the Archangel Festival Committee, composed largely of young volunteers. The new committee, established in the autumn of 2025, adopted the playful and proud identity of the Briganti della Fede (Brigands of Faith) to emphasize the unity of the community and their deep attachment to the roots of Carbonara di Nola. The committee keeps the village active throughout the year with related events, from Christmas to Carnival, in a journey that culminates in the September festival.

An event in the heart of Campania

Immersed in the greenery of the Nola area, between Naples and Irpinia, the Saint Michael the Archangel Festival is a precious opportunity to discover an authentic corner of Campania, far from the major tourist circuits. Popular faith, musical tradition, and local hospitality merge into a festival that tells the most genuine story of this Campanian village.