La processione dei Serpari

The Processione dei Serpari of Cocullo is one of Abruzzo's most fascinating and mysterious events, a celebration with roots stretching back to the Middle Ages that continues to captivate visitors from across Italy. Each year, in the enchanting village of Cocullo, the community honors San Domenico Abate, a 10th-century Benedictine monk venerated as protector against snake bites, fevers, and rabies. According to legend, the saint left behind a molar tooth and a horseshoe from his mule as divine protection for the inhabitants, relics that still represent the spiritual heart of this extraordinary festival.

What makes the Processione dei Serpari truly unique is its undisputed protagonist: the serpent. The serpari, skilled snake hunters, would gather these creatures in the days before the festival to adorn the statue of San Domenico with live snakes, creating an image both unsettling and sacred. This practice, rooted in pagan traditions syncretized with Christianity, represents a moment of communion between mankind and nature, between the sacred and the profane. The procession unfolds as a cascade of colors, devotion, and thrills, with the saint's statue literally covered in snakes moving among the incense and prayers of the faithful.

Participating in this event means immersing yourself in an intense and primal atmosphere where tradition reveals itself in its most authentic form. The medieval village comes alive with street vendors, stalls displaying local products and typical Abruzzese crafts. You'll find traditional dishes—from arrosticini to spaghetti alla chitarra, from pecorino cheeses to traditional sweets—allowing visitors to savor the genuine flavors of Abruzzo.