Alessandra Belloni - Remo Artist
proudly announces   
 
BLACK MADONNA DRUMMING & DANCE RITUALS & PILGRIMAGE
IN SOUTHERN ITALY
July 31- Aug 9
 
By the sea & mountains in the region of Naples
 

 

 

Join us this summer for a new pilgrimage dedicated to the drumming, 

chanting, & dance traditions of the Black Madonna in Southern Italy! 
Following Alessandra's Book, Healling Journeys with the Black Madonna  (Inner Traditions Bear and Co, 2019)
 
 
This workshop will be a full immersion into the ancient drumming traditions and devotional chants in Honor of the Black Madonna, which can only be truly experienced in the sacred mountains and healing waters of the Mother Land. This powerful journey will introduce and transport students to a time and place where an unbroken and ancient tradition continues today with folk music, processions, devotional drumming, and dance.
 
Following Alessandra Belloni’s vision as part of the Black Madonna Center, this summer students will have the special opportunity to study and tour the area of Naples in the region of Campania.
 
Special Guest Nando Citarella from Naples! 
We will be joined by internationally renowned Neapolitan Folk Musician, classical singer, percussionist teacher Nando Citarella. Alessandra’s long time collaborator and friend, he is one of the most important and well-known figures in the revival of Southern Italian Folk Music. Find more at www.NandoCitarella.it
 
We will also featured lectures about the goddess Isis and the Black Madonna by Egyptolgist, Archeologist, and GAIA Network host Armando Mei.
Alessandra Belloni is a native of Rome who has traveled the land extensively, researching and practicing the lore and traditions of The Black Madonna. She will take you inside the heart of this land, sharing her knowledge, and giving you an authentic, local experience.
 
For information and registration email  -
 Alessandra Belloni ABelloni@aol.com  and must always copy 
 For logistic Fabiana Eramo fabtraveller@hotmail.com,
 

For questions about travel New Travel LLC
+1(212)-239-2425 WhatsApp: +1-212-239-2425
Email booking@newtravelnyc.com

 
Workshop and Pilgrimage Dates:
 
Summer 2023 July 31-August 8
 
 
 
Below was the itinerary for our 2023 voyage.
 
 
 

Alessandra Belloni, award winner singer, percussionist, teacher,

proudly announces her third

BLACK MADONNA DRUMMING & DANCE RITUALS & PILGRIMAGE

IN SOUTHERN ITALY

by the sea & mountains in the region of Naples

July 31 - August 9 - registrations now open!

Join us this summer for a new pilgrimage dedicated to the drumming, chanting, & dance traditions of the Black Madonna in Southern Italy!

Following Alessandra's Book, Healing Journeys with the Black Madonna (Inner Traditions Bear and Co, 2019)

https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Journeys.../dp/1591433428

This workshop will be a full immersion into the ancient drumming traditions and devotional chants in Honor of the Black Madonna, which can only be truly experienced in the sacred mountains and healing waters of the Mother Land. This powerful journey will introduce and transport students to a time and place where an unbroken and ancient tradition continues today with folk music, processions, devotional drumming, and dance.

Following Alessandra Belloni’s vision as part of the Black Madonna Center, this summer students will have the special opportunity to study and tour the area of Naples in the region of Campania.

Special Guest Nando Citarella from Naples!

We will be joined by internationally renowned Neapolitan Folk Musician, classical singer, percussionist teacher Nando Citarella. Alessandra’s long time collaborator and friend, he is one of the most important and well-known figures in the revival of Southern Italian Folk Music. Find more at www.NandoCitarella.it

We will also feature a special night in the famous tarantella town MONTEMARANO NEAR AVELLINO, well known for their TARANTELLA ALLA MONTEMARANESE during carnival!

Alessandra Belloni is a native of Rome who has traveled the land extensively, researching and practicing the lore and traditions of The Black Madonna. She will take you inside the heart of this land, sharing her knowledge, and giving you an authentic, local experience.

For information and registration email -

Alessandra Belloni alessandrabelloni@gmail.com and blackmadonnacenter@gmail.com must always copy fabtraveller@gmail.com. For logistic Fabiana Eramo fabtraveller@hotmail.com, and blackmadonnacenter@gmail.com

For questions about travel New Travel LLC

+1(212)-239-2425 WhatsApp: +1-212-239-2425

Email booking@newtravelnyc.com

Workshop and Pilgrimage Dates: Summer 2024 August 1-August 9

ITINERARY

August 1-2nd: Ritual drumming, singing & dance Workshop

During these workshops on the stunning Amalfi Coast, students will study the basic Italian tambourine and frame drumming techniques of the Tammorriata 4/4 rhythm in honor of the Black Madonna. These powerful workshops will include the special collaboration with folk musician, percussionist, and Neapolitan singer Nando Citarella, who will guide students in learning traditional drumming, chanting, and dance.

Alessandra and Nando will introduce the ancient style of rhythm and dance known as the Tammurriata, which dates back to the rites of the Mother Earth Goddess Cybele – protector also all of gay and transgender people – and the Egyptian Goddess Isis, both of whom are now worshiped as the Black Madonna all over the South of Italy. Alessandra and Nando will also lead participatory chants of devotion to the Sun (Jesce Sole), an ancient healing chant using the Lydian Scale or Neapolitan Scale, as well as authentic chants and prayers.

These workshops will take place during the days and some evenings in improvisational Neapolitan style.

video from last year :

August 3th: VISIT TO THE BLACK MADONNA DELL’AVVOCATA

Special visit up the Mountains over Amalfi to la Madonna Avvocata, Somma Veusviana, Tramonti – great feast of food wine drumming and dance with musical group Isidoro & La Paranza dei Tramonti

AUGUST 4th: VISIT TO LA MADONNA DI POSITANO

Positano is the most beautiful town in the Amalfi Coast. It is also where the Goddess Aphrodite was worshipped in ancient times.

August 5th: Isis and the Black Madonna in region of Campania

Lecture with Egyptologist Dr. Armando Mei (to be confirmed)

In the afternoon we’ll travel to Torre Annunziata near Pompeii, where we’ll witness the unique re-enactment of the discovery and fishing of the Black Madonna della Neve, who originally found in a large cage in the sea in the year 1350. This feast is held at sunset by sea near Vesuvius, with boats following the Madonna in procession along the coast to blessing the water and the town. This is an ancient ceremony with origins in the worship of the Goddess Aphrodite and the African Orisha Yemanja, Goddess of Love and the Sea.

August 6th: VISIT TO THE BLACK MADONNA OF MONTEVERGINE

In the mountainous region of Irpinia we will visit the Black Madonna of Montevergine. Known as MAMMA SCHIAVONA, she is considered the most important of the Seven Sisters, and is worshipped in the ancient sacred site of the Earth Goddess Cybele. She continues to be venerated on a high sacred mountain, which pilgrims still climb barefoot today chanting and drumming in her honor. Here we will drum and chant with Nando and Alessandra, as well as learn about the cult of the femminelli – transgender and third gender people who still venerate the Black Madonna today.

August 7th: VISIT TO THE MADONNA DELLA LIBERA - MOIANO

Will end our journey near Benevento where we will visit LA MADONNA DELLA LIBERA – Our Lady of Freedom. This is a beautiful and powerful statue which has direct origins to the Egyptian Goddess Isis, the FIRST BLACK MADONNA AND CHILD. Alessandra will lead special chants and participants will have the opportunity to play and sing in honor of the Black Madonna.

AUGUST 9 - NEW THIS YEAR! SPECIAL DAY -VISIT TO THE TOWN OF MONTEMARANO for a great TARANTELLA CELEBRATION IN THE TRADITION OF CARNEVALE - near Avellino more information coming soon!

AUGUST 9 - CHECK OUT FROM HOTEL & departure from Avellino

Video from Last Year:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8Qc_S6Bqns

ACCOMMODATIONS:

4 star hotels with swimming pools and gourmet food

• HOTEL DEI CONGRESSI near the Amalfi coast

www.hoteldeicongressi.it

• HOTEL DE LA VILLE located in the mountains of Avellino www.hoteldelaville.it

Total Cost 

$ 2,600 for single room (if you register by April 1st you will get $ 100 off the regular price $ 2,700 after April 1st)

$ 2,500 for double room ($ 2,600 after April 1st)

Increase from last year due to inflation and due to the gas prices increase and bus costs.

Registration fee due: immediately $200 (non-refundable, applied to final payment)

Please pay registration fee here: https://www.everbutton.com/flow/options/4834/?origin_url=

Or VENMO & ZELLE also accepted. (Contact Alessandra for these options)

and notify Alessandra that you have paid at alessandrabelloni@gmail.com

Hotel deposit of 30% Due: immediately (non-refundable after May 25th)

Please specify that you are coming to the tour in Naples, Campania when you make a payment

Please pay hotel deposit here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/BlackMadonnaCenter See less See less

 

Upcoming Events

Previous events

To celebrate the holidays Italian style, the 43rd anniversary of I GIULLARI DI PIAZZA and our music directors birthday! John La Barbera , sharing food, drink and wonderful music while we celebrate four decades of Alessandra's Belloni's work! During this holiday end-of-year fundraiser, you will meet special people as we also honor Tony and Obie award-winning producing artist and formerly Artistic/Executive Director of Cherry Lane Theatre Angelina Fiordalisi, Award Winning actor Saverio Guerra, Director & Cinematographer Lisa Leone, and Award-Winning Author, Therapist & CEO Alex Iantaffi. Tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/igiullaridipiazza/1043310? You will have the opportunity to listen to Alessandra Belloni, author of the book "Healing Journeys with the Black Madonna", published by Inner Traditions-Bear & Company. This fund raiser will also help Alessandra raising funds for her upcoming knee surgery December 21, and her recovery time. This will be such a special celebration of over four decades of work for I Giullari di Piazza, a non profit organization, who are artists in residence at the Cathedral of St. John Divine and who have also performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Symphony Space, to name but a few. The joyous afternoon will include a performance of "Tarantata," by award winning percussionist, singer, author Alessandra Belloni with composer, guitarist John La Barbera, founders of I Giullari di Piazza, in their famed production of "Tarantata," an impeccably researched production rich with songs, tarantellas, and magic rituals used to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula, along with healing chants and ritual drumming in honor of the Black Madonna. With its authentic music, costumes, and instrumentation, Belloni and company here unite the fascinating and similar legends, traditions, and musical rhythms of Southern Italy and Brasil. And, as always, the fun concludes with audience members being invited to join the cast for a "raise the roof" tarantella. Featuring: Alessandra Belloni - Artistic Director, Percussions and Vocals John La Barbera - Music Director, Composer, Guitar, Mandolin, Chitarra Battente Wilson Montuori - Guitar Joe Deninzon - Violin Steve Gorn - Bansuri Flutes, Saxophones, Clarinet Dancers - Amara & Mark Mindek also playing the commedia character Arlecchino www.alessandrabelloni.com www.igiullaridipiazza.org www.facebook.com/alessandrabelloni54 instagram@belloni.alessandra Press quotes: Don Hackman, writing in the Los Angeles Times, found that "Alessandra Belloni and "Tarantata: Dance of the Ancient Spider" is a revelation, utterly fascinating." Drum Magazine noted that "Italian-born virtuoso Alessandra Belloni is established as a unique phenomenon, not just a percussionist, but also an actress, lecturer, entertainer, and healer." Jon Pareles of The New York Times, reviewing an I Giullari di Piazza show, remarked that "Ms. Belloni sang in an exultant voice. The songs blazed with an age-old momentum." Do not miss this wonderful winter celebration of life, joy, and community! Tickets and donations include dinner and the performance, 75% tax deductible Can't make it to the fundraiser? You can still I Giullari di Piazza non-profit organization under the 501-c-3 code and Alessandra Belloni;s work by donating here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/black-madonna-center General Admission $125.00

Ticket plus a program listing and a CD $150.00

VIP Ticket plus a program listing, CD & Book $175.00

FILM PRESENTATION! Black Madonna Pilgrimage & Summer Solstice Musical Celebration in Sicily

On December 13th, 2023 Internationally renowned singer, percussionist, teacher Alessandra Belloni, Author of ‘HEALNG JOURNEYS WITH THE BLACK MADONNA” together with I Giullari di Piazza Italian Music and Dance company

Filmed, directed and edited by Francesco Piccolo in the summer 2023 produced by Alessandra Belloni & The Black Madonna Center Join us for A MUSICAL JOURNEY TO THE BLACK MADONNA IN SICILY & THE SUMMER SOLSTICE at the MEGALYTHS OF ARGIMUSCO & the ANCIENT SOLSTICE PAGAN FEAST OF U’ MUZZUNI December 13th Celebrating the Feast of Santa Lucia with the Sicilian Folk Music LA SANTA LUCIOTA We will begin with the screening of the film to be followed by live Sicilian Folk Music, featuring: ALESSANDRA BELLONI , artistic director vocals & percussion JOHN LA BARBERA , music director , guitarist & composer , chitarra battente & mandolin STEVE GORN on bansuri flutes, saxophone and clarinet WILSON MONTUORI – Guitar – JOE DENINZON - violin Joseph Giannini accordion and vocals (to be confirmed) · Special guests from Sicily on zoom from the group SUDCANTICA: Federico Chiofalo - accordion, tambourine, guitar, Sebastiano Pietrini - vocals, guitar, tambourine, Santino Scordino – vocals, bagpipe, tambourine, Jew’s harp Francesco Piccolo- film director, editor

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