Traditions
A somewhat idiosyncratic tradition of the people of Montorio al Vomano occurs during the carnival season. Its theme is death iteself and derives from the comedy of arts, a populist style of theater developed in Italy in the 16th century. The origins of this custom probably relate to the removal and collection of the trappings of the just-completed carnival season on Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. A coffin accompanied by throngs of people, including costumed mourners in funeral attire, is carried through the streets. Funeral dirges are played and interspersed with irreverent passages of joy and happiness.
The tradition of the 'Lu Stu, whose origination is unknown, takes place around the Christmas Holidays. During the celebration the townspeople gather together and are met by small groups of people carrying decks of 40 playing cards depicting historical figures. These encounters and card games are characterized by gestures, animated discussions, and salty witticisms in the local vernacular dialect. This custom is practiced in very few Italian communities and may well have ancient Irish roots from a pre-Christian era.
Another important tradition recognizes a great battle known as the "Conspiracy of the Barons" that took place on the outskirts of Teramo on 7 May 1486. At this time 500 soldiers from the Teramo area, under the orders of Pope Innocent VIII and led by Captain Roberto Sanseverino, encountered the troops of Alfonso, Duke of Calabria and son of King Ferdinand of Aragon. From the roofs of the houses and the city walls, the townspeople of Montorio al Vomano were able witness this fierce military engagement. Actors in authentic dress play the parts of soldiers during the present day enactment of this historical event.
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—Katharine Fullerton Gerould (1879–1944)
“I think a Person who is thus terrifyed [sic] with the Imagination of Ghosts and Spectres much more reasonable, than one who contrary to the Reports of all Historians sacred and profane, ancient and modern, and to the Traditions of all Nations, thinks the Appearance of Spirits fabulous and groundless.”
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—Vladimir Nabokov (1899–1977)