The Cocullo Snake Festival in Abruzzo: A Must-See Experience
Where ancient ritual meets living legend in the heart of Italy’s Abruzzo region.
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable and off-the-beaten-path cultural experience in Italy, look no further than the Cocullo Snake Festival in Abruzzo. Every year on May 1st, this small mountain village comes alive with ancient rituals, vibrant traditions, and an awe-inspiring connection between people and serpents. Intrigued? You should be.
Nestled in the upper Sagittario Valley, Cocullo is usually a quiet hamlet with fewer than 300 residents. But on the first of May, it transforms. Thousands of pilgrims and curious travelers flood the cobbled streets to witness one of Italy’s most unique and mysterious festivals: La Festa dei Serpari di Cocullo (also known as Il Rito dei Serpari) or the Ritual of the Snake Handlers.
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A Festival Steeped in Legend and History
The Cocullo Snake Festival in Abruzzo is no ordinary event. This ancient ritual blends folklore, faith, and ecological awareness in a way that few other festivals do. The celebration is dedicated to Saint Dominic Abbot, a Benedictine monk venerated for his miraculous ability to protect against snake bites, toothaches, and rabid animals.
Over time, his legend absorbed elements from pre-Christian mythology, particularly the snake-worshipping cult of Angizia, an Italic goddess venerated by the Marsi people.
In a dramatic fusion of ancient and modern beliefs, the festival features a statue of Saint Dominic adorned with live snakes (yes, real ones) captured by local experts known as serpari. These non-venomous snakes slither over the statue in a symbolic display of man’s harmony with nature.
What to Expect at the 2025 Cocullo Snake Festival
Dates to Remember: The main event takes place on May 1st, 2025, with some lead-up activities starting on April 30th.
April 30th:
- 5:30 PM: Opening Mass
- 6:30 PM: Memorial Ceremony for the Fallen
- 9:30 PM: Concert – Armonia, The Music Experience
May 1st – The Big Day
Religious Program:
- 8:00 AM: Early Morning Mass
- 9:30 AM: Pilgrim’s Mass
- 11:00 AM: Solemn Mass led by Bishop Michele Fusco
- 12:00 PM: The Main Procession featuring the serpari and Saint Dominic’s statue draped in snakes
- 5:30 PM: Closing Mass and the Veneration of the Relic
The Serpari: Keepers of a Sacred Tradition
The heart of the Cocullo Snake Festival lies with the serpari, skilled individuals who capture snakes in the weeks leading up to the event.
They use traditional methods and, under special permits, bring the reptiles to Cocullo where they are carefully monitored and eventually released back into the wild after the celebration.
This practice is not just about tradition – it’s now part of a scientific conservation effort. Since 2009, biologists and herpetologists have been studying the captured snakes to monitor their health and population trends. It’s a beautiful intersection of ritual and research, honoring both spiritual and ecological concerns.
A Day of Sights, Sounds, and Sacred Energy
Imagine this: you arrive in Cocullo just as the morning sun peeks over the surrounding Abruzzo mountains. The streets are bustling with excitement, the air is filled with the sound of church bells, traditional bagpipes, and the chatter of pilgrims.
Food stalls line the piazzas, selling local delicacies and sweets. The scent of roasting meats mingles with the floral perfumes of mountain herbs.
As the procession begins, the statue of Saint Dominic is carefully carried out of the Church of San Domenico, already coiled with live snakes. The atmosphere is reverent, electric. Children dressed in traditional costumes carry baskets of ciambellati, and the streets echo with prayer and celebration.
It’s a surreal blend of sacred and folkloric – a moment where time seems to pause, inviting you to witness something truly rare and ancient.
Practical Information for Visiting the Cocullo Snake Festival
How to Get to Cocullo
- By Car: Cocullo is easily accessible via the A25 Autostrada. Be prepared for heavy traffic and limited parking – arrive early or the day before!
- By Train: Regional trains run from Sulmona and Avezzano. Check Trenitalia for schedules.
- By Tour: Some tour operators offer day trips from Rome or Pescara.
Where to Stay
Accommodations in Cocullo are extremely limited, so consider staying in nearby towns like:
- Sulmona (30 mins away)
- Scanno or Pescina (charming, scenic, and not too far)
- Avezzano (for more hotel and transport options)
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A hat and sunscreen
- Water bottle
- A camera for capturing those unbelievable moments
- An open mind – you’re about to witness something one-of-a-kind
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
The Cocullo Snake Festival in Abruzzo is more than just an event – it’s a cultural, historical, and spiritual experience. It offers a rare chance to engage with ancient traditions that continue to evolve in modern, meaningful ways. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just an adventurer at heart, this festival won’t disappoint.
You’ll leave not just with incredible photos, but with a deeper understanding of Italy’s diverse cultural landscape – and maybe even a newfound respect for snakes.
FAQs Cocullo Snake Festival in Abruzzo
What is the Cocullo Snake Festival in Abruzzo?
It’s an annual religious and folkloric festival held every May 1st in Cocullo, dedicated to Saint Dominic and featuring a procession where his statue is draped in live snakes.
Is it safe to attend the Cocullo Snake Festival?
Yes! The snakes are handled by trained serpari and are non-venomous. The atmosphere is festive, safe, and family-friendly.
Can I touch the snakes?
Generally, only serpari handle the snakes, but you can get up close for photos and observe them during the procession.
Where is Cocullo located?
In the province of L’Aquila, Abruzzo region, in central Italy. It’s about 1.5 hours from Rome by car.
When should I arrive?
Plan to get there early in the morning, especially if you want a good view of the procession.
Is the festival suitable for kids?
Absolutely. It’s educational, exciting, and filled with tradition and spectacle.
What else is there to do nearby?
Explore the beautiful Abruzzo National Park, visit the medieval towns of Scanno and Sulmona, or hike the nearby Apennines.
Ready for a journey like no other? Add the Cocullo Snake Festival in Abruzzo to your travel bucket list – and prepare to be enchanted by one of Italy’s most unique and moving celebrations.
