Carrese of San Pardo
The patronal feast of Larino between faith, carts, and paper flowers
About Carrese of San Pardo
A Millennial Rite
The Carrese of San Pardo is the patronal feast of Larino, a Frentanian town in the province of Campobasso, and its roots date back to 842 AD, when the relics of the saints were translated. For over a millennium, the community has renewed its devotion through the parade of carts, a rite that intertwines religious faith and a sense of collective belonging.
The Carts and Paper Flowers
The absolute protagonists are the approximately 130 carts made of wood, pulled by pairs of oxen, and entirely covered with crepe paper flowers handmade by Larino families in the preceding months. The carts traverse the narrow streets of the historic center in a colorful procession that culminates in a solemn blessing and procession. It is one of the most identity-defining religious and folkloric events in all of Molise.
Towards UNESCO
The Carrese of San Pardo is now intangible heritage nominated for UNESCO recognition, as part of a network initiative involving similar traditions in Italy, Spain, and Venezuela. The feast, organized by the Municipality of Larino together with the Parish of San Pardo, attracts thousands of people each year and concludes with a large free concert and fireworks from the Ducal Palace.
Carrese of San Pardo — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Carrese of San Pardo animated Larino from May 24 to 27. Four days of rites, from the blessing of the animals at the Fountain of San Pardo to the final procession of the saints, with the climax on May 26: the blessing and parade of the carts in the historic center, the free evening concert by Francesco Renga, and the pyrotechnic show. The celebrations were presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of Termoli-Larino, Msgr. Claudio Palumbo.
Programme Carrese of San Pardo 2026
Sunday, May 24 — PENTECOST (Prologue)
- 5:00 PM — Blessing of the animals and cart drivers at the historic Fountain of San Pardo
- 8:30 PM — Torchlight procession from the Fountain to the Co-Cathedral
Monday, May 25 — Vigil
- 5:00 PM — Procession of the carts towards the Church of San Primiano (Piano San Leonardo)
- 7:00 PM — Mass and Novena
Tuesday, May 26 — Solemnity of San Pardo
- 10:30 AM — Solemn Mass presided over by Bishop Claudio Palumbo
- 12:00 PM — Blessing of the carts and parade in the historic center
- 9:30 PM — Free concert by Francesco Renga in the square
- 12:00 AM — Fireworks display
Wednesday, May 27 — Return
- 10:30 AM — Procession towards San Primiano
- 4:00 PM — Return with the statue of San Pardo
- 8:00 PM — Final Mass
Highlights Carrese of San Pardo 2026
Prices Carrese of San Pardo 2026
Practical information — Carrese of San Pardo
How to get there
Larino (CB) is located in Lower Molise, reachable from the A14 highway (Termoli exit) and the SS87. Larino train station is on the Termoli-Campobasso line.
When
The feast takes place at the end of May (May 24-27 in 2026).
Admission
Free access to processions, the cart parade, and the evening concert.
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Where does it take place — Carrese of San Pardo
Centro storico di Larino
Centro storico, 86035 Larino