What to do in Molise
From the peaks of the Apennines to the coast, the natural environment in Molise is a perfect place to relax, play sport, and go on excursions to the region’s most many destinations.
Nature lovers can go walking or trekking in several protected areas: in the typical Apennine landscape of the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise, or in a diverse environment like that of the WWF Reserve in Guardaregia-Campochiaro, through woods, streams, gorges and falls. Many hilly areas can be reached by mountain bike, but you can also take the scenic cycle routes along the coast. There are organised trips offered for hiking, horse trekking, canoeing, biking and much more. Also locally in Montemitro and the surrounding area it is possible to get guided tours. If you are planning on renting a car while you are here, you can explore as you please on your own and you will of course be provided with tips on where to go.
Horse trekking
In the heart of nature, you can also enjoy horseback riding along the tratturi, the migratory trails dating back a thousand years. In Pescolanciano, in several areas of Campobasso and throughout the region, these “transhumance” trails are a chance to dip into local history and culture.
There are many companies offering horse trekking trips. Durations range from several hours to 1 week trips, including food and lodging.
Canoeing
Canoeing can be a wonderful way to explore the beautiful and fascinating the Matese and Maiella areas. Visitors can canoe all year round, especially in the Letino lake, in the Gallo Matese lake, in the Matese lake, and along the Biferno river.
Paragliding
Visitors can take a tandem flight, or join a professional instructor who will guide the paraglider and allow you to enjoy the thrill of flying in total relaxation and safety while you are comfortably seated on the passenger seat. The paragliding flight in Molise has an average duration of 15/30 minutes depending on weather conditions.
Events and festivals
There are too many "festa" and "sagre" events throughout the year to list them all here, but below is a sampling of what you can expect from month-to-month. If you would like to know more about what happens in a period you are interested in, you are welcome to reach out and I will do my best to provide you with more information.
March
The Tufara Carnival is a traditional festival on Shrove Tuesda. A group wearing six traditional masks travels around the village in search of proselytes that the Devil and Death try to seduce by jumping and enticing the participants to go with them. The procession ends by entering the ancient Lombard castle where a puppet has been set up to represent the Carnival. The feast is also called "the Devil of Tufara" because the Devil is the main character.
July
Festival della Zampogna is an international event of the Scapoli Bagpipe. People from all over the world meet, dance, and sing through the streets of the town to the rhythm of not only bagpipes, but also of ciaramelle, tambourines, and accordions. Food and wine stands, where you can taste and learn about typical local dishes, abound. Each is prepared with care by the local residents for this important occasion.
April
Festa di Capella is the crown jewel of events in Montemitro. It is a feast of the Chapel of Santa Lucia and an auction of sweets. Each year on the Sunday following Easter, the whole community gathers around 9 in the morning to make a pilgrimage to the small chapel of Santa Lucia in "Selo", not far from Masseria Chicerro. At the rural church, the Holy Mass is celebrated. After mass, families and friends have a picnic before the auction of cakes and sweets, carefully prepared by the skillful hands of Montremitrans. The proceeds from the auction are used to cover the expenses of organising the party and maintenance of the chapel. This is a very enjoyable and informal event, as well as a great opportunity to meet the locals.
August
The Multietnica festival features flavours, and colours from cultures around the world. The sounds of each culture carry through the alleyways of the historic center of Montemitro during this unique celebration.
Palio di San Rocco. San Rocco is the the co-patron of Montemitro, as well as Santa Lucia, and is celebrated with a rather unique Palio: instead of horses, they race with donkeys. The four districts of the town (Castello, Piazza, Sant´Angelo and Tre Croci) decorate the donkey in their neighbourhood with their respective colour. Once the race is over, everyone celebrates together with spaghetti with garlic and olive oil (prepared by the community).
Torneo di Pljocke. Participate in a tournament of a rustic variation of the game Boules, where the players use rocks instead of balls. Note that the players bring their own rock!
May
The festa patronale di Santa Lucia takes place on the first and last Friday of May. It is said that the Croatians fleeing the Turkish invasion in the 16th century arrived in Montemitro on a Friday in May, bringing with them a wooden statue of Saint Lucia. On the first Friday of May, the Saint is celebrated by carrying her in procession with a band in tow. On the following Fridays, there are processions and the last Friday of May there is a patronal festa, with fireworks, music, and celebrations throughout the evening.
September
Festa del Santo nome di Maria. In Campobasso on September 12, the Patron Saint of the Mater Ecclesiae Church, Mary, is celebrated. The event begins with Holy Mass, immediately followed by a procession led by a statue of the Madonna. During the afternoon, sporting and cultural events are organised; in the evening, there are usually music and dance performances.
June
Processione dei Misteri-Campobasso (the Procession of the Mysteries) is the most anticipated event in Campobasso. The event is a procession of thirteen large "living paintings"— the Mysteries—which are carried through the streets of the city on the shoulders of at least 12 young people (for each). The Mysteries are beautiful upholstered artworks with collared fabrics, which makes some characters seem to float in the air. The first Mystery “machines” were created in 1748 by Paolo Di Zinno, a famous artist from Campania.
October
Olive harvest. The olive harvest normally starts end of October and continues into November, but it sometimes lasts into December depending on the weather. There are about 180 olive trees on the Masseria’s property and you are welcome to participate in the harvest. If so, you are invited to bring some of the olive oil home with you.