Inscribed on the List of Intangible Heritage since 2019, the Christian celebration of the Celestinian Forgiveness is a living testimony to a tradition that comes to us directly from the Middle Ages. It includes civil rites and Christian celebrations that have been handed down uninterruptedly since 1294 and which provide a sense of continuity and cultural identity to the entire community of the city and province of L’Aquila.
The tradition was born thanks to Pope Celestine V, who in 1294 issued a historic papal bull with which he granted plenary indulgence to anyone who, having confessed and repented, went to the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio between vespers on 28 August and vespers on 29 August of each year, passing through the holy door which had been opened for this purpose.
The celebration of the Perdonanza sees its highlight in the opening of the Holy Door of the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio. In this way, the plenary indulgence begins for 24 hours, until the Holy Door of the Basilica is closed. Masses are held 24 hours a day, non-stop, even at night, and confessions are available thanks to the many confessors present.
