The annual Madonna delle Galline Festival in Pagani, Campania, is a vibrant fusion of deep-rooted devotion and cultural pride, drawing thousands to its streets each spring.
The celebrations carry added poignancy, as the community honors both its sacred traditions and the legacy of the late Pope, whose recent passing prompted a brief pause in festivities before resuming with renewed solemnity.
Centered around the Madonna del Carmine, the festival commemorates the 17th-century discovery of her icon by hens-a miracle that birthed the tradition of offering live poultry during the Sunday procession. Devotees line the streets as the statue, adorned with birds and carried on a motorized float, travels through Pagani’s historic center. The ritual “exchange of gifts” at the Basilica of Sant’Alfonso-where Redemptorist priests present two hens to the Madonna, receiving doves in return-epitomizes the town’s spiritual symbiosis.
Assessor Valentina Oliva has amplified the festival’s cultural footprint, curating events like the Ritmo Festival (April 28–29), which merges global rhythmic traditions with local tammurriate drumming.
Her programming, alongside initiatives by Mayor Lello De Prisco, underscores a commitment to preserving Pagani’s heritage while fostering youth engagement. The Urban Lab project (April 27), targeting ages 16–25, immerses participants in folk dances and rituals, bridging generations through shared cultural memory.
Beyond its local roots, the festival resonates as a “topos of shared humanity”. Pilgrims worldwide bring their stories to Pagani, transforming the event into a mosaic of collective hope. The hens-symbols of rebirth-and the communal feasts of tortani (savory pies) reflect a universal language of resilience and gratitude.
Mayor De Prisco’s stewardship, marked by investments in public festivities and infrastructure, mirrors the Madonna’s protective role-a civic devotion to community welfare. This year’s expanded lineup, including comedy performances and folk concerts, reaffirms Pagani’s identity as a guardian of tradition in a changing world.
In Pagani, faith and culture intertwine, offering a timeless reminder of how shared rituals can unite across borders-a small town’s answer to life’s deepest questions. (ph. Susy Pepe)