Day 1 , Thursday May Day :

Early morning we will go to the small village of Cocullo not far from Sulmona.

It fills up with thousands of people who came, who for devotion, who out of curiosity, some to study, to attend this unique event of great anthropological importance also known as "festival of the serpari" (serpari are those who seek and handle the snakes for the festival).

The recurrence seems to have originated from the worship of the goddess Angizia venerated by the Marsi, considered by the Romans a people of wizards and sorcerers. The goddess, who protected from snake bites, with the diffusion of Christianity was supplanted by the cult of San Domenico, a hermit who lived in a cave nearby.

It will be our job to guide you with suggestions, even of photographic technique in various events such as the arrival of the various companies of devotees who have traveled long distances on foot; the various gestures of the faithful to protect itself from toothache, the ostentation of the ex-voto or, why not, to be photographed with a snake around his neck taking advantage of the kindness of the serpari that lend themselves willingly.

For lunch you will have at disposition many cloisters for a Porchetta sandwich or roasted sausages. Just after lunch we will make a short visit to San Domenico Lake, where we could see the cave hermitage of San Domenico. Along the way we will be able to make shots at the beautiful panorama of Anversa degli Abruzzi village. Back at the hotel , before and after dinner , there will be a critical reading of pictures taken during the day and examples of post-production with the help of Adobe Lightroom PC and video projector...read more

Day 2 , Friday, May 2:

The goal of the day will be Pratola Peligna where they are to begin the festivities in honor of Madonna della Libera that will last a week. We are interested in photographing the arrival of the Compagnia di Gioia devotees.

In the old days there were numerous companies of pilgrims who came to pay homage in Pratola at the image of the Madonna kept in the Sanctuary, to today there are only the inhabitants of Gioia dei Marsi who continue to keep the tradition.

They walk along the path from the far Marsican town no matter what weather conditions. We will go to meet them to take pictures when, after climbed the last of seven hills, they find themselves in front of the Sanctuary which is visible from far in the Peligna Valley. Here on their knees they pray to thank the Madonna for having protected them in the way.

After taking numerous photos of the faces suffering from fatigue, tears and gestures of devotion we are going to precede the company in the church that will arrive in the late afternoon. In the church, full of people in every corner, they get in rubbing on their knees up to the main altar where they will kiss the monogram of Mary, while their songs resonate among the aisles.

We will guide you in making a very dramatic reportage full of emotion and in the use of very high ISO sensitivity.

The day will conclude at the hotel where , after dinner, there will be the usual critical reading and comparison of shots taken...read more

Day 3 , Saturday, May 3:

We will reach some of the most beautiful villages that surround the chain of Gran Sasso. The first stop will be in Castelvecchio Calvisio , one of the most charming towns in the Abruzzo mountains for its urban structure that seems to follow the plan of a Roman "castrum".

The earthquake of April 6, 2009 that struck the Abruzzo region has greatly damaged this valuable and unique piece of architecture. Walking and photographing in the silence of its streets, often shored up in order to avoid collapse of structures, it swells heart with sadness and helplessness.

The next stop will be Santo Stefano di Sassanio ( Sextantio ). The old village , which was owned by the powerful de' Medici family of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, has preserved almost intact its medieval splendor , with hints of Renaissance representing the ancient prosperity.

Since 2004, the village is home to the interesting experiment of the so-called " diffuse hotel " that has attracted numerous tourists, giving a new impetus to the local economy. Being in the area photographing the beautiful spontaneous architecture, we cannot avoid a visit at one of the most beautiful and photographed castles in the world , according to the National Geographic, also location of many movies: the Rock of Calascio.

Before to climb up to the castle we will spend a little of our time between the houses of Calascio all in stone, well kept, full of narrow streets and staircases where you overlook tower-houses, the eighteenth-century buildings and churches which are treasures of art.

All evidence of ancient wealth produced by the armentizie activities. We will conclude this day of photographs of architecture with the ascent to the fortress through the ruins of the village that surrounds it.

The castle is always immersed in a magical light, it looks like the extension of the rocks on top of the hill. From a height of 1500m. gaze sweeps over breathtaking views: from the Maiella massif to Sirente and to the mountains of the Abruzzo National Park, then the tormented morphology leads the eye towards Campo Imperatore and the chain of Gran Sasso. We will wait here the sunset time which at these altitudes never disappoints. Back at the hotel will project still photos of the day...read more

Day 4 , Sunday, May 4:

In the morning we will conclude this journey in Abruzzo going up to the hermitage of Sant 'Onofrio placed like an eagle's nest on a rocky ridge near the Monte Morrone and also visible from the hotel.

This is the place preferred by the hermit Pietro Angeleri. Here, while he was in meditation, the holy man received the news of his election to the papacy which he accepted for a short time under the name of Celestine V. The small church still preserves ancient frescoes and the tiny cells inhabited by Celestine monks.

The view into the below Peligna Valley, surrounded by the highest peaks of the Apennines, is dizzying...read more

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