Le Pupazze di Bova

Have you ever heard of the Pupazze di Bova?

This is a very ancient procession between the sacred and the profane that features the so-called Persephoni of Bova, i.e., female anthropomorphic figures made of olive leaves woven on wild reeds and decorated with colourful ribbons, lace, mimosa branches, flowers, fruit and seasonal first fruits.

Its pagan origins, inspired by the classical myth of Persephone who returns each year from the realm of Hades to make the earth bloom again (spring), is linked to the ancient Greek culture of Bova, whose historic centre is also among The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.

The feast of the Pupazze di Bova takes place every year on Palm Sunday and combines the sacred and the profane as the Pupazze are allowed to enter the Cathedral of Santa Maria dell'Isodia and receive a blessing. On their way out, the faithful can undress the Pupazze di Bova and take home a blessed twig.