The Ox, The Holy and The Farmer

"... It was Whit Monday 1711 occurred when the transport of the Holy Relics of St. Zopito Martyr.

He left Penne for Loreto Aprutino with a long and solemn procession with a large number of citizens. According to tradition, it is said, that this road were noticed families of peasants of the neighboring countryside and people coming from the country. All these people were on their knees to the passage of the procession. Now came a miraculous event. A Biforco was plowing with an ox he not only stopped his work, but he continued, as if he had no time to lose.

When the sacred relics, they passed in front of him, before all, the bull stopped, knelt down and remained in that position until the sacred relics of the Roman martyr were not removed. The Biforco seeing his oxen kneel, including his sin; took off his hat and bowed the knee too. With his ox, followed the procession cheering, confessing his guilt. "

 In memory of the miracle of the ox folding in worship with your knees forward to the holy martyr, arose the custom of carrying in procession every Whit Monday a white ox with a red mantle on its back, with horns praying for multi-colored ribbons.

Come along and get involved with this particular ceremony imbued with a magical atmosphere.