Recurrence: every third weekend in May

The ritual begging song of the Cantamaggio celebrates the advent of spring and the new agricultural season. This ritual is rooted in pagan rites of fertility, well-wishing, and prosperity for the community.

Historically, it is sung by groups of “May singers” (maggianti), during the night between April 30th and May 1st, going house to house, typically in a three-person formation: accordian (organetto), triangle, and tambourine (cembalo), accompanying male voices.

The lyrics of the Cantamaggio contain an invitation to the homeowner to offer food donations, intended for the maggianti’s lunch at the conclusion of the celebration. This invitation is repeated in the inevitable final saltarello of request (an exclusively Marche phenomenon) that closes the ritual song.

To prevent this tradition from completely disappearing, the Municipality of Morro d’Alba, the CTP (Territorial Planning Committee/Centre), and the local ProLoco have committed themselves to faithfully reviving this ancient custom every year on the third Sunday in May.

At the festival, there are food stands featuring typical specialties, where visitors can taste our delicious Lacrima wine in a joyous and convivial atmosphere.