U Masc' (Il Mascio)

An ancient arboreal ritual combining pagan folklore and devotion. The festival celebrates the "Marriage of the Trees": a sturdy Turkey oak trunk (the Groom, the Mascio) is joined to a holly top (the Bride). After a picturesque transport to the village pulled by festively decorated oxen, the tree is lifted by hand, culminating in a spectacular acrobatic climb by the "masciaioli."