Events in Molise

The mountainous and sparsely populated region of Molise has only been recognized since 1963. Before this, Molise was an isolated province of Apulia. Today this otherwise forgotten region is bordered by Abruzzi on the north, Lazio to the west, Campania and Apulia to the south and east. To the northeast, Molise has a small coastline bordering the Adriatic. Thus far, it seems that both tourists as well as Italians have neglected Molise, but there are many sites nestled in the mountains that are worth visiting. Molise is home to beautiful abbeys, churches and castles as well as impressive ancient ruins far off the tourist track.

January
Pignola: Palio of S. Antonio Abate.
Villa d'Agri: Befana Canterina.
Aliano: Carnival.
Rotondella: Fire Festival.
Rocchetta al Volturno, Carpinone, Capracotta: Maitinate Carolers.

February
Rapolla: San Biagio.
Cercepiccola: The Mesi Pageant.
Tufara: The Cheese Game & Devil's Procession.
Castelnuovo del Volturno: Deer Hunt Pageant.

March
Atella: Via Crucis Costumed Parade (Thursday before Easter).
Barile, Maschito & Venosa: Via Crucis Pageant (Good Friday).
Rionero in Vulture: Via Crucis Pageant (Saturday before Easter).
Garagusa: Costumed Procession.
Termoli: Good Friday Procession.

April
Campobasso: Corpus Domini Pageant.
San Martino in Pensilis: Ox-Cart race.

May
Melfi: Feast & Tournament of the Holy Spirit.
Potenza: San Gerardo (May).
Matera-Picciano: Santa Maria di Picciano (first Sunday of May).
Policoro: Madonna of the Bridge.
Tricarico: Madonna of the Fountains (second Sunday of May).
Accettura: May Chopping Festival.
Larino: San Pardo Festival & Procession.
Ururi: The Cart Race.

June
Moliterno: U Casiadd Local Cheese Festival.
Rotonda: Sant'Antonio & Fir Tree Festival.
Gorgoglione: Madonna of Pergamo.
S. Giorgio Lucano: Harvest Festival.

July
Avigliano: Madonna of Carmine.
Matera: Madonna of Bruna Pageant & Procession.
Ielsi: Wheat Festival Pageant & Parade.

August
Castellagopesole: Nights of Frederick II of Swabia.
Melfi: Homage to Frederick II of Swabia.
Rapone: Sausage & Cheese Festival.
Bernalda: San Bernardo.
Matera: Crapiata.
Oliveto Lucano: San Cipriano & the Rites of May.
Pisticci: San Rocco.
Termoli: San Basso Fishing Boat Procession.
Ripalimosani: Palio Horse Race.

September
Ripacandida: Vulture Rabbit & Garlic Festival.
Viggiano: Santa Maria of the Sacred Mountain.
Sarconi: Bean Festival & Market of Local Products.
Aliano: Madonna of the Stars.
Matera-Timmari: Feast of God the Savior (first Sunday of September).
Miglionico: Dried Fig Festival.

October
Melfi: Varola Festival & Market.
Riccia: Grape Fair.

December
Paterno: Nativity Scene.
Montescaglioso: Pettole Festival.
Agnone: Docce Torchlit Procession.
Oratino: La Faglia Torch Lighting (Christmas Eve).
Guardialfiera: Living Nativity Scene.