The Maggio Passion

Every year, at Pentecost, the two thousand inhabitants of the township of Accettura celebrate the Maggio ritual. Most likely originating from Lombard-related traditions, this arboreal ritual symbolizes the link between earth and sky, while evincing a sexual union via the buds of two different trees: the “Cima”, a holly from the Gallipoli forest in the North, representing the female; and the “Maggio”, an oak from the Montepiano wood in South, symbolizing the male.

The local community divides itself into two sections on Pentecost Sunday.During the following two days they carry and adorn with celebratory elements and finally climb the township’s heights.

The theme of the Passion addresses the tremendous physical effort made by people and animals, and the complete devotion to a ritual involving the entire community.