The May of Accettura

Every year in Accettura, a small village in Southern Italy, one of the oldest tree rituals in Europe takes place to celebrate the fellowship between men and nature. An old oak and a holly tree are cut in the forest and carried to the main square where they are joined together - as if it was a wedding between trees - and raised as a single monument. The ritual takes place in the frame of a christian celebration dedicated to Saint Julian and is accompanied by brass bands and religious ceremonies.