Festa di Maria SS. di Costantinopoli — Madonna della Ricotta
The bicentennial festival with carts pulled by sheep
About Madonna della Ricotta
The Madonna della Ricotta
In Pietracatella, a village in the Fortore area of the province of Campobasso, the festival of Maria SS. di Costantinopoli is known by everyone as Madonna della Ricotta. It is a bicentennial celebration, one of the most original in Molise, where Marian devotion intertwines with the pastoral and farming world of the town.
Ricotta and the Sheep Carts
The festival's name comes from an ancient tradition: the women of the village collect the milk and, during the festival, freely distribute ricotta in the square. The most evocative moment is the procession towards the Crocelle district, featuring carts pulled by sheep carrying children, accompanied by a band. A rare and poetic image that tells the rural identity of Pietracatella.
Sanctuary and Remembrance
The Church of Madonna di Costantinopoli is also a diocesan sanctuary dedicated to victims of labour, and the festival dedicates a solemn moment to their memory. Between the rite of the "castellana" — the solemn elevation of the statue onto the wooden throne — masses, concerts, and the distribution of ricotta, the festival unites the sacred and the profane, spirituality and conviviality, over four days that draw the entire community.
Madonna della Ricotta — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the festival of Maria SS. di Costantinopoli — the Madonna della Ricotta — takes place in Pietracatella in June, on the days related to Pentecost (which in 2026 falls on May 24th). The festival renews its most beloved traditions: the free distribution of ricotta collected by the village women, the "castellana" rite, the procession to Crocelle with carts pulled by sheep carrying children, and the remembrance of victims of labour at the diocesan sanctuary.
Programme Madonna della Ricotta 2026
The precise date and detailed program for the 2026 edition will be announced by the confraternity and the parish based on the liturgical calendar. Usual festival structure (based on the 2025 edition, spread over four days):
- Opening Day — Sagra della Ricotta in Piazza Santa Maria with free distribution of ricotta and cheese; evening concert
- Games and inflatables for children and the "castellana" rite, solemn elevation of the Madonna's statue on the wooden throne
- Closing Day — procession to the Crocelle district with the band and carts pulled by sheep carrying children; solemn mass; moment of remembrance for victims of labour; chamber music concert
Exact 2026 program coming soon on the confraternity's channels.
Highlights Madonna della Ricotta 2026
Prices Madonna della Ricotta 2026
Practical information — Madonna della Ricotta
When
In June, in the days following Pentecost (in 2025 it took place from June 7th to 10th).
Where
Piazza Santa Maria, historic centre, and Crocelle district, Pietracatella (CB).
How to get there
By car from Campobasso along the Fortore roads; events are free admission, with free ricotta distribution in the square.
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Where does it take place — Madonna della Ricotta
Piazza Santa Maria, centro storico e contrada Crocelle
Piazza Santa Maria, 86040 Pietracatella