Abruzzo. In L’Aquila for the Perdonanza Celestiniana

It is not merely a historical re-enactment but an event rich in meaning (peace and forgiveness) which takes on an even deeper significance for L’Aquila, reflecting its identity, in the year it is named Italian Capital of Culture. This year, the 732nd Perdonanza Celestiniana, which forms part of the programme for L’Aquila as Italian Capital of Culture 2026, will run from 23 to 30 August, featuring a packed programme of performances, music, theatre and events taking place across the historic centre’s most iconic venues. The Perdonanza Celestiniana which commemorates the historic The Bull of Forgiveness of 1294 by Pope Celestine V, proclaiming a perpetual plenary indulgence, carries a message of peace, reconciliation amongst peoples and social equality, renewing each year the hermit pope’s entry into L’Aquila. Alongside the re-enactment and rituals (the Way of Forgiveness with the fire travelling from the hermitage of Sant’Onofrio al Morrone to L’Aquila, the opening of the Holy Door of the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio, the historical procession in medieval costume accompanying the Papal Bull, and all the other events in which the entire community is involved), music takes centre stage. On 23 August, the Abruzzese Symphony Orchestra will take centre stage, featuring young musicians from the “Alfredo Casella” Conservatoire in L’Aquila, accompanied by the Cori Riuniti dell’Aquila under the artistic and musical direction of Maestro Leonardo De Amicis. Don’t miss the Dance Gala on 24 August on the San Bernardino Steps, featuring some of the most acclaimed contemporary dancers, and ‘L’Aquila in scena’, on 27 August, when the squares, courtyards, cloisters and historic monuments of the old town will be transformed into a vast urban stage featuring shows, music, theatre, dance and travelling performances. Among the most eagerly anticipated events is Geolier’s concert-event, scheduled for 25 August at the Teatro del Perdono; on 26 August, a show by Alessandro Siani; and on 30 August, Il Volo with their “Concerto per L’Aquila”, accompanied by the Grand Youth Orchestra of the “Alfredo Casella” Conservatoire in L’Aquila, reflecting the initiative that Perdonanza has been promoting for years, enabling young local talents to share the stage with internationally renowned artists.

https://laquila2026.it/programma-dinamico