GUARDIA SANFRAMONDI, Italy — Centuries ago, legend has it, a farmer discovered a wooden Madonna statue in a field in the emerald hills northeast of Naples. After locals fought to keep the statue, they honored it with rituals. Some 500 years later, those rituals continue.

The rites in the hamlet of Guardia Sanframondi were originally designed to seek the pardon of the Madonna dell’Assunta or her divine intervention against famine and scarce harvest.

They are now held every seven years, in a week of atonement and costumed parades that re-enact biblical parables. Even residents who have emigrated abroad return for the ceremonies and strut through the cobblestone streets.

The tradition has been handed down through the generations, and is a moment that publicly marks the ticking of time in the village of 5,000. Refusing to take part is a dishonor for some.