The Celestinian Forgiveness (in Italian: Perdonanza Celestiniana) also known as The Festival of forgiveness is a major religious and historical event held annually in L'Aquila, Italy, in August.
Celebrating Celestinian forgiveness was inspired by Pope Celestine V, who began a tradition of partnership with local populations with his historical bull. The celebration, which takes place in the city and province of L'Aquila, comprises a series of rituals and celebrations that have been passed down without interruption since 1294.
As a result, the practice conveys continuity and a sense of cultural identity to the whole community. In this year's forgiveness walk, the participants will experience the lighting of the Morrone Fire and its descent, along with a candlelight procession.
During this ancient festival, a candle is lit in the Civic Tower in Palazzo Margherita – called the Fire Morrone. This marks the beginning of the festivities; this started on the 23rd of August. The main celebrations began on the 28th of August, where it was held that Pope Celestine gave forgiveness of the people’s overindulgence, in the form of the forgiveness bull in 1294.
Forgiveness was granted to those who ‘truly repented and confessed’. This bull symbolizes peace, solidarity, and reconciliation, and it lies beyond the Holy Door in the Ballisca of St. Mary Collemaggio, which opens on the 28th. The people of L’Aquila take great care to protect and preserve the sacred document, which they celebrate every year.
It continues throughout the two-day event, with the biggest attraction being an incredible parade of around one thousand costumed Italians riding on horseback to bring the Bull of Forgiveness from the town hall to the Ballisca of St. Mary Collemaggio. The costumes for those riding on horseback, are rich and vibrant in color, creating a breathtaking sight to behold for those in attendance.
During the celebration, participants walk along with three main characters, including the 'Lady of the Bull', the 'Young Lord', and the 'Lady of the Cross', each representing one of the three traditional values: hospitality, solidarity, and peace. The Holy Door stays open until the 29th when it is ceremoniously closed for the next year for those who wish to repent their indulgences.
Stories told at home, in schools, and in community gatherings, and places transmit the meanings and practices of the element, and the community's continuous participation in the celebration ensures its viability over time.