The Feast of the 'Ndenna
The marriage of trees that celebrates the soul of Castelsaraceno
Every year in June, Castelsaraceno is transformed into a large open-air stage where one of the most fascinating rituals in Basilicata takes place: the Festa della ’Ndenna (The Feast of the 'Ndenna). An ancient event, whose origins have been lost, but which continues to live on thanks to collective memory and a deep connection with the mountains, nature and the community. It is the famous 'marriage of the trees', an arboreal ritual that intertwines the sacred and the profane, devotion and celebration, as it takes place in honour of Saint Anthony of Padua, shared effort and joy.
The 'Ndenna, the groom, is a large beech tree chosen from the woods of Favino, at the foot of Monte Alpi. Its selection is a solemn and participatory moment: after the religious service, the entire village goes up into the woods to find the most beautiful, straight and majestic tree. Once felled, the beech tree is dragged down to the valley amid singing, shouting, music and laughter, accompanied by oxen and with the help of traditional pannodde (large sticks used as supports and levers). The day turns into a real folk festival, with convivial stops in the woods, where typical dishes, local wine and stories handed down through generations are shared.
The following day is dedicated to the bride, the Cunocchia, usually a young, slender pine tree chosen from Monte Armizzone. Lighter and more delicate, it is carried on the shoulders of the young people of the village, accompanied by dancing to the sound of bagpipes and great care taken not to break even a single branch. The Cunocchia must arrive intact, ready for the union.
The most exciting moment comes on the third day. At dawn, in an intimate and cosy atmosphere, the wedding is symbolically celebrated. In the afternoon, the village square fills with people: with a choral effort of strength, technique and encouragement, the 'Ndenna is raised to tower over the centre of the village like a wooden giant, a symbol of rebirth, fertility and continuity. This is followed by spectacular bare-handed climbs: only those who manage to reach the top and grab the notch tied to the Cunocchia win the prizes and the honour of victory.
The Festa della 'Ndenna does not end in a few days. It continues with the Festa della Montagna (Mountain Festival), with excursions, trekking, horse riding and outdoor activities, transforming Castelsaraceno into a meeting place between tradition and slow tourism. An authentic experience, capable of revealing the deep soul of a territory where nature is not just a landscape, but a living part of the collective identity.