Rarely do you hear the words “snake” and “festival” used together, but in one Italian village, the two have more in common than meets the eye. Cocullo, in the Abruzzo region, uniquely comes to life every year on the first of May. It’s the day when the village hosts its peculiar and fascinating Serpari Festival.

In a celebration like no other, serpents take center stage in a  display of tradition, culture, and folklore. What sets this festival apart from your typical Italian village celebration is the prominent role snakes play. Yes, you read that right — snakes.