Rarely do you hear the words “snake” and “festival” used together, but in one Italian village, the two have more in common than meets the eye. Cocullo, in the Abruzzo region, uniquely comes to life every year on the first of May. It’s the day when the village hosts its peculiar and fascinating Serpari Festival. In a celebration like no other, serpents take center stage in a display of tradition, culture, and folklore. What sets this festival apart from your typical Italian village celebration is the prominent role snakes play. Yes, you read that right — snakes.

The Serpari Festival

The Serpari Festival, also known as the Festa dei Serpari, honors Saint Domenico, who supposedly performed a miracle by driving snakes out of farmers’ fields. On the other hand, it also likely originated in central Italy’s ancient practices surrounding the worship of Angitia, the Roman goddess of snakes.

The festival officially begins on 19th March, when local snake charmers (serpari) around Cocullo begin to catch snakes. If you’re concerned about safety, rest assured that the snakes used in the Serpari Festival are non-venomous and well-handled by the villagers. The ritual of capturing and releasing snakes has existed for generations, with no known cases of injury to festivalgoers.

However, the same cannot be said for the snakes whose fangs are removed. The festival’s centerpiece is the morning procession, where the statue of Saint Domenico, adorned with a cape of live serpents, is carried through the streets by devotees. The sight of the saint surrounded by his slithering companions is eerie and captivating.

A Snakefest To Remember

It’s a sight you won’t soon forget as the snake-bedecked statue makes its way through the cheering crowds, blessing the onlookers and their pets for protection from snakebites. As the day progresses, the atmosphere in Cocullo becomes more jovial. Villagers and visitors gather in the main square to witness the festival’s highlight–the snakes’ release.

The snakes get their freedom with great care and reverence, symbolizing the cycle of life and nature’s beauty. As the sun sets over the Apennine Mountains, the Serpari Festival comes to a close with a fireworks display that lights up the night sky. The village of Cocullo may return to its tranquil state, but the memories of this odd celebration will stay with you forever.