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.
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
Sicilian Film Presentation & Folk Music Night, with buffet dinner
Tuesday, May 14 from 6:30 to 9 pm in The Galleria
Wine and beer available for purchase.
Cost: $60 members, $75 non-members
Back by popular demand, this entertaining musical event begins with the screening of a short new film, “Black Madonna Pilgrimage and Summer Solstice Music Celebration in Sicily,” followed by live Sicilian Folk Music and dancing.
The ensemble is led by Alessandra Belloni, an award-winning percussionist, singer, dancer, actress and teacher. She is renowned worldwide for her group and solo performances and concerts in theaters, universities, and international percussion festivals. She is author of “Healing Journeys with the Black Madonna,” which will be available for sale at the event.
Also performing at Casa’s event are John La Barbera, guitar and mandolin; Steve Gorn, flutes, saxophone and clarinet; and dancers Peter de Geronimo and Danielle Fusco.
