Carrese of Ururi
The race of ox-drawn carts in the Arbëresh village
About Carrese of Ururi
An ancient race in the heart of Arbëresh Molise
The Carrese of Ururi is one of the most intense and identity-defining traditions of Molise. It takes place in Ururi, a village in the province of Campobasso inhabited by an Arbëresh community of Albanian origin, and consists of a race of ox-drawn carts launched at high speed along a route of about four kilometers, from the countryside to the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in the village.
Devotion and challenge between districts
The race is held in honor of the SS. Legno della Croce, patron saint of Ururi, and combines the religious dimension with the competition between the village teams, the Giovanotti and the Giovani. The blessing of the carts precedes the challenge, in an intertwining of faith, passion, and rivalry that involves the entire community.
An identity rite
For Ururi, the Carrese is much more than a race: it is the moment when the village reaffirms its Arbëresh identity and its history. Thousands of people, including residents and returning emigrants, gather along the route to witness a race that remains among the most exciting in Southern Italy.
Carrese of Ururi — edition 2026
The Carrese of Ururi 2026 was held on May 3, the heart of the patronal feast in honor of the SS. Legno della Croce. The ox-drawn carts competed along the usual route of about four kilometers, from the countryside to the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, in front of a large crowd.
The edition was marked by a disputed victory: the Giovanotti crossed the finish line first, but the result was questioned due to an alleged early start, with the jury called to rule on the outcome of the race. A tense finale that confirmed how much the Carrese is, for the Arbëresh community of Ururi, a challenge experienced with absolute intensity.
Programme Carrese of Ururi 2026
Sunday, May 3, 2026
- Blessing of the carts and oxen
- The Carrese race along the approximately 4 km route from the countryside to the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, with the challenge between the Giovanotti and the Giovani
- Procession in honor of the SS. Legno della Croce
The 2026 edition saw the victory of the Giovanotti, later disputed for an alleged early start and reviewed by the jury.
Highlights Carrese of Ururi 2026
The race of ox-drawn carts and the mystery of the disputed result between Giovanotti and the jury.
Prices Carrese of Ururi 2026
Practical information — Carrese of Ururi
How to get there
Ururi is located in the Basso Molise region, reachable by car from the Larino area and the Adriatic coast. The race route starts from the countryside and ends at the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Tips
The race is free but very popular: it is advisable to follow the organizers' instructions for safety along the track. The Carrese is traditionally held at the beginning of May, as part of the patronal feast.
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Where does it take place — Carrese of Ururi
Ururi e campagne circostanti
Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 86049 Ururi