European Carnival of Zoomorphic Masks
Bears, devils, and ancestral masks from Europe parade through the streets of Isernia
About Zoomorphic Masks Carnival
When Man Becomes Beast
The European Carnival of Zoomorphic Masks transforms the historic center of Isernia, the capital of the Molise province of the same name, into a stage for the continent's most ancient carnival traditions for three days. Now in its 4th edition, the event blends anthropology, performance, cinema, and popular ritual around the theme of man wearing an animal mask.
The Grand European Procession
The heart of the event is the Grand Masked Procession: over 300 participants and twelve groups from various European nations and Italian regions parade through the city streets. Among the anticipated ancestral masks are the Caretos de Podence (Portugal), the Mamuthones and Issohadores of Mamoiada (Sardinia), the Bear of Putignano (Puglia), the Bear of Saponara (Sicily), and numerous other traditions from the Alpine, Balkan, and Mediterranean regions. Artistic direction is entrusted to Mauro Gioielli.
Conference, Cinema, and Exhibitions
Alongside the procession, the festival offers an international conference coordinated by anthropologist Giovanni Kezich, documentary screenings, traditional pantomimes, and a photographic exhibition dedicated to the famous Devil of Tufara, one of Molise's most well-known masks. A journey that makes Isernia a privileged observatory on the symbolic meaning of zoomorphic masks in Europe.
Zoomorphic Masks Carnival โ edition 2026
The 2026 edition (the fourth) of the European Carnival of Zoomorphic Masks took place in Isernia from March 13 to 15, under the artistic direction of Mauro Gioielli. Three days of anthropology, cinema, and popular ritual, culminating in the grand masked procession with over 300 participants and twelve European and Italian groups.
Programme Zoomorphic Masks Carnival 2026
Friday, March 13
- 10:30 AM โ Auditorium: Info-Point opening and photographic exhibition (PhotoBook) by Pino Manocchio
- 4:00 PM โ International conference "From Gods to Animals. Evolution in Reverse", coordinated by anthropologist Giovanni Kezich
Saturday, March 14
- 11:00 AM โ Screening of the docufilm "The Spirit of Masked Games" by Rossita Lazarova
- 5:00 PM โ Grand Masked Procession with over 300 participants and 12 groups: Caretos de Podence (Portugal), Grobniฤki Dondolaลกi (Croatia), Bulgarian and Macedonian groups, Mamuthones and Issohadores of Mamoiada, Pust and Blumarji of Friuli, Bear of Saponara, Masked Devils of Aliano, Bear of Putignano
Sunday, March 15
- 10:45 AM โ Auditorium: traditional pantomimes by participating groups
Throughout the event: collective photographic exhibition on the mask of the Devil of Tufara, curated by the "Vivian Maier" photographic center.
Highlights Zoomorphic Masks Carnival 2026
Prices Zoomorphic Masks Carnival 2026
Practical information — Zoomorphic Masks Carnival
Getting Here
The historic center and the Auditorium of Isernia are reachable by car from the SS17 and SS650 Trignina; the city is served by the Isernia railway station.
When and Prices
From March 13 to 15, 2026. Conference, screenings, exhibition, and procession with free admission unless otherwise indicated.
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Where does it take place โ Zoomorphic Masks Carnival
Centro storico e Auditorium di Isernia
Centro storico, 86170 Isernia