Festa dell'Uva di Riccia
The parade of grape floats that since the 1930s has told the story of the Fortore peasant civilization
About Festa dell'Uva
A unique tradition in Molise
The Festa dell'Uva di Riccia, in the heart of the Fortore in the province of Campobasso, is one of the most beloved popular events in Molise. Riccia is the only municipality in Molise to have uninterruptedly preserved this rite linked to the grape harvest, which has its roots in the 1930s: the first successful edition dates back to 1932 and, after the suspension during World War II, the festival was resumed until it became the country's identity event.
Grape floats, masterpieces of grapes
The heart of the festival is the parade of allegorical floats. The various hamlets and districts of the town work for weeks on real mobile arks: polychrome compositions covered with grapes glued one by one, capable of creating images, scenes, and great visual effects. Each float traditionally bears an image of the Madonna del Rosario, uniting the religious and peasant dimensions. Alongside the floats, there are costumed figures and reconstructions of agricultural life scenes from bygone days.
Between taste, music, and folklore
Along the streets of the historic center, grapes, wine, and cavatelli with ragù are distributed, while grilled meat and local typical products are also available. Accompanying the parade are musical bands, folk groups, flag-wavers, and majorettes, with evening concerts that liven up the town. Admission is free.
A community festival
Organized by a special Committee, the Festa dell'Uva is above all a moment of collective participation: the entire town, from the districts to the youngest, contributes to the creation of the floats, making this event an authentic intangible heritage of Molise and the Fortore.
Festa dell'Uva — edition 2026
The 94th Festa dell'Uva di Riccia confirms its appointment in September 2026, with the highlight on the second Sunday of the month. The village hamlets are already at work on the allegorical floats covered with grapes, which will parade through the streets of the historic center along with costumed figures, scenes of peasant life, bands, flag-wavers, and majorettes. Along the route, distribution of grapes, wine, and cavatelli with ragù.
Programme Festa dell'Uva 2026
The detailed program for the 94th edition will be published by the Festa dell'Uva Committee in the weeks preceding the event (website festadelluvadiriccia.it). The established structure includes:
- Previous days — setting up of floats in the hamlets, exhibitions, and side events
- Second Sunday of September (13/9/2026) — grand parade of grape floats through the historic center, with traditional costumed figures and reconstructions of agricultural scenes
- Distribution of grapes, wine, and cavatelli with ragù, grilled meat, and local products along the village streets
- Performances by musical bands, folk groups, flag-wavers, and majorettes
- Evening concerts and final award ceremony for the floats
The names of the 2026 musical guests will be announced by the Committee shortly before the event.
Highlights Festa dell'Uva 2026
The parade of allegorical floats entirely decorated with grapes, each with an image of the Madonna del Rosario, is the unmissable attraction of the festival.
Prices Festa dell'Uva 2026
Practical information — Festa dell'Uva
How to get there
Riccia (CB) can be reached by car from the SS17; about 30 km from Campobasso. The nearest train station is Campobasso, then connected by bus lines.
When
Second Sunday of September; the parade of floats is the highlight of the final day.
Admission
Free. Information: [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Festa dell'Uva
Centro storico di Riccia