The Kiss of the Madonnas

The Kiss of the Madonnas: a rite that unites two towns

In the heart of the Ciociaria region, in the province of Frosinone, the small town of Castrocielo preserves one of the most evocative religious traditions of southern Lazio: The Kiss of the Madonnas. Every year, on Easter Monday (Pasquetta), the communities of Castrocielo and nearby Colle San Magno gather on the slopes of Monte Asprano to renew a gesture of brotherhood rooted in nearly a thousand years of shared history.

How the day unfolds

At dawn, two processions set off simultaneously from the two towns, each carrying their own statue of the Madonna on their shoulders along the rugged mountain path. Traditionally, the Castrocielo procession departs first. During the ascent, the bearers stop twice at designated points called posature—large stones where the statues are rested—while the procession is accompanied by local brass bands.

The climax occurs when the two processions meet just below the Church of Santa Maria in Cielo: the statues of the two Madonnas are tilted and brought together by the bearers until they touch, in what appears as a true kiss, or bow, of reconciliation. It is the most intense image of the festival, a gesture that symbolically mends the relationship between the two communities each year.

A thousand-year history

Both towns descend from the ancient Castrum Coeli, the castle founded by Abbot Mansone in 994. Over time, water scarcity forced the inhabitants to settle on opposite sides of the mountain, giving rise to two distinct communities. The church built on the summit of Monte Asprano in the 14th century was shared for centuries: the archpriest resided for six months in Castrocielo and six months in Colle San Magno, until the creation of separate parishes in 1850. From this unique coexistence, the Kiss ceremony was born, which still celebrates unity today, transcending old local rivalries.

The festival and traditional flavors

After the religious services, the day continues in a festive, popular atmosphere. Faithful and visitors share an outdoor lunch featuring the typical flavors of the Ciociaria Easter Monday: ciambelloni (ring-shaped cakes), hard-boiled eggs, cured meats, and local wine, amidst music and conviviality.

The Coppa Palazzolo

In the afternoon, Castrocielo also becomes a cycling capital with the Coppa Palazzolo - Terre di Aquinum Trophy, a spring classic reserved for the Junior category and valid for the Lazio regional championship. Held in Castrocielo since the 1950s, the race has seen future champions like Vincenzo Nibali, Matteo Trentin, Diego Ulissi, and Elia Viviani at its starting line. The race traditionally begins in Piazza Umberto, featuring a challenging circuit that includes the climb of Viale Immacolata and the finish in Piazza San Rocco.

Why it is worth attending

The Kiss of the Madonnas is not a re-enactment staged for tourists, but a living, deeply felt tradition that blends faith, community identity, and mountain landscapes. For those visiting the Ciociaria, it is an opportunity to experience the most authentic side of Lazio—that of villages and popular devotions that stand the test of time.