Cocullo and the Serpari Festival: practical guide for May 1st

Cocullo and the Serpari Festival: what to expect on May 1st

Every May 1st Cocullo (province of L'Aquila) celebrates San Domenico with the well-known Serpari Festival: a local tradition in which the saint's statue is covered with live snakes and paraded through the historic center. The ritual combines popular devotion with rural memory and attracts visitors from across Italy.

The core of the celebration

The highlight is the procession of the statue of San Domenico. The serpari — local experts who collect and handle the reptiles — prepare the snakes in the days before the event. The species used are generally non-venomous and handled carefully: after the ceremony the animals are returned to their natural environment. The procession is accompanied by chants, prayers and occasional firecrackers, creating a powerful and evocative atmosphere.

Origins and meaning

The festival blends ancient pagan and Christian elements: symbols linked to the goddess Angizia, once revered by the Marsi people in the area, merged over time with the cult of San Domenico Abate. Today the event retains both religious and anthropological significance, reflecting local identity and traditions.

How to get there and move around during the festival

• By car: reach Cocullo via the A25 motorway, following signs for the historic center. Access may be restricted on May 1st, so park in outer lots and continue on foot or by shuttle.
• By train: Cocullo station is about 2 km from the village; extra services on the Rome–Pescara line are sometimes scheduled for the festival—check timetables in advance.
• On the day: arrive early to secure parking and reach the center; wear comfortable clothing and consider mountain weather changes.

Practical advice

• Follow instructions from organizers and volunteers for the safety of people and animals.
• Do not touch the snakes and avoid obstructing the procession; keep a respectful distance from the statue.
• If photographing, avoid creating crowds or hindering movement.
• Plan return journeys, as roads can become congested after the event ends.

Nearby villages worth visiting

Extend your trip to explore nearby historic villages and natural settings that complement a visit to Cocullo:

• Scanno — noted for its mountain lake and picturesque old town.
• Villalago — landscapes featuring gorges and woodland paths.
• Anversa degli Abruzzi — gateway to the Sagittario gorges.
• Sulmona — regional hub with services, connections and culinary traditions.

The Serpari Festival is an opportunity to discover a deeply rooted Abruzzo tradition: with prior planning and respect for local customs you can experience the event safely and meaningfully.