Every year, on May 1st, an ancient ritual takes place in Cocullo, having evolved over time into a sacred-profane celebration. The festival is held in honour of Saint Dominic, who is revered as the protector against toothaches, reptile bites and rabies. On the morning of the celebration, inside the church dedicated to him, devotees pull a small chain with their teeth in the belief that this will help keep their teeth healthy. At noon, following the Holy Mass, the statue of the saint is carried out through the church doorway, marking the beginning of the procession. The statue is covered with snakes captured in the surrounding area in the days leading up to the event. In keeping with the protection of local wildlife, the captured snakes are first examined and assessed by herpetologists and, at the end of the celebrations, are released back into their natural habitat.