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Palmoli
Provincia di Chieti, Regione d'Abruzzo
Local festivals and events:
(scroll down for details of each festival)

February 14 - Feast of Saint Valentine, Patron Saint of Palmoli

May 9 - San Nicola Fair

July 16 - Madonna of Mt. Carmel

July 26 - Saint Anne

July 27 - Madonna of Mt Carmel and Pacchianelle (scroll down for photos)

August 26 - Madonna of Mt Carmel fair

September - first Sunday - Feast of Saint Valentine, Patron Saint of Palmoli

In addition, there are other sagras during the month of August which feature typical local foods.
Feast of Saint Valentine
Despite the usual cold weather in February, the people of Palmoli gather on February 14th to honor their patron saint,
Saint Valentine.  The day begins with fireworks and mass in honor of the Saint.  The faithful gather in the church and file up
to pay homage to Saint Valentine and kiss the sacred arm.  When mass has been completed, the procession begins.  The
statue of Saint Valentine is carried throughout the village and accompanied by a band and the people of the village. Other
festivities are held later in the evening.  Once every 25 years, the remains of Saint Valentine in their bronze urn are carried
throughout the village. (To read more about Saint Valentine as patron saint of Palmoli, please see the
History page.)

Fair of San Nicola
On May 9th, the main streets of Palmoli are lined with numerous vendors.  All sorts of merchandise are sold.  In Piazza
Bernini, tables are set up and vendors are selling food and drinks.

Madonna of Mt. Carmel
On July 16, the people of Palmoli gather to honor the Madonna of Mt. Carmel.  After mass, her statue is taken from its
place in the Sanctuary (Madonna SS. del Carmine), and  is carried up the hill to the main church in Palmoli (Santa Maria
delle Grazie).  

Saint Anne
On July 26, the people gather for the festival of Saint Anne.  The day is celebrated with a mass.  There is often a local
soccer match and music later in the evening.

Madonna of Mt. Carmel and Pacchianelle
July 27 is an important and historical festival for the people of Palmoli.  It is the day when the Madonna of Mt. Carmel
returns to her place in the sanctuary.  In the morning, there is a procession in town and she is followed by the traditional
parade of offerings called the Pacchianelle.  The Pacchianelle begins at Via Roma, winds through Piazza Marconi, up Corso
Umberta and through Via San Nicola, up to Piazza Bernini.  All types of local goods are offered to the Madonna - ventricina,
salami, cheeses, sweets, porchetta, even live animals - rabbits, pigs, geese, etc.  Those taking part in the Pacchianelle dress
in traditional costumes and carry their items, push them up the hill, or drive them up in tractors - all decorated in a
traditional theme.  Later in the day, the people gather in Piazza Marconi where the items are auctioned off for charity.  In
the evening, the Madonna is returned to the Sanctuary, accompanied by a band and a procession of the people of Palmoli.

Madonna of Mt. Carmel Fair
Much like the San Nicola Fair earlier in the year, the fair on August 26 is held near the Sanctuary of Madonna SS. del
Carmine.  All types of merchandise can be brought from numerous vendors.

Feast of Saint Valentine
On the first Sunday in September, the people of Palmoli gather again to pay homage to their Patron Saint, Saint Valentine.  
The day is marked by a special mass in honor of the saint, and a procession through the village, accompanied by a band
and fireworks.  There are often other entertainments planned throughout the day and evening.
Pacchianelle 2006
English