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Every summer, the town of Campagna near Salerno, Italy, diverts the Tenza River through an ancient artificial canal, sending its waters rushing directly through the historic center. The unique setup sets the stage for "La Chiena"—one of the town's most iconic traditions—which saw crowds drenching each other with buckets of water on Sunday, July 19.
This custom began in the 17th century as a way to clean and cool the streets, with some accounts also linking it to efforts to curb the spread of plague and wash away the waste left by pack animals.
Alongside the festival lineup, Campagna’s World War II history comes alive in its local museums. Beyond the event, the region remains a year-round destination, drawing visitors with its rich culinary scene and picturesque countryside walks.
The La Chiena Water Festival runs every Saturday and Sunday from mid-July through mid-August. Visitors can enjoy three unique events each weekend.
Around midday, the town comes alive with La Passeggiata (The Walk), as a lively crowd of locals and visitors wades through the gently flowing waters of Corso Umberto, while others take in the spectacle from packed sidewalk bars and restaurants.
The festival shifts into high gear later in the afternoon with La Secchiata (The Bucket Event). Armed with buckets and water balloons, participants line the streets for a lively battle soundtracked by high-energy DJ sets.
The celebration culminates at midnight with a "Chiena di Mezzanotte." Flooding the town's historic streets one last time, this grand finale sets a spectacular backdrop for music, dancing, and midnight revelry.
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