Maggio di Pietrapertosa

The Maggio di Pietrapertosa, known as La Festa del Mascio, is one of the most important tree cults in the whole of Basilicata.
Steeped in history, nature, traditions and legends, it is still celebrated today on the Sunday following 13 June, in honour of St. Anthony of Padua. Although its meaning and function have changed, it retains all the vital energy of ancient times. The festival unfolds in three phases that mark the main moments of the complex ceremonial action.

In the first phase, a tall tree, previously identified and recognised as the King of the Forest, is cut down.
In the second phase, another tree is cut down: a holly tree, chosen from among those with the richest branches and leaves, called Cima: the Queen of the Forest. The day after the felling, the “pre-nuptial” procession takes place.
The Groom, the oak tree or Maggio, is dragged by several pairs of oxen, while the Cima, the Bride, is carried into the village with her foliage resting on the yoke of two young cows.

The third phase takes place in the village, where the two trees are triumphantly introduced and welcomed with great joy, expressed through band concerts and the offering of wine and biscuits to all those present. The day after the transport, the May tree and the top are grafted together, almost symbolising a sort of marriage between the two plants.

In the morning, the more strictly religious-Christian part of the procession of the statue of St. Anthony takes place through the main streets of the village.

The last stop for the statue is in front of the convent of St. Francis. In the meantime, the May tree begins to be erected by climbing and using ropes. At sunset, the final stage of the climb takes place.
The processional transport of the two trees is undoubtedly the most spectacular and engaging phase and allows anyone to participate in the procession, feeling almost as if they have been invited to a real wedding.

Photographs by Michele De Grazia