Fèšta do Maja (Maja Festival)
The arboreal rite of spring in the Croatian-Molise village
About Maja Festival
An ancient spring rite
The Fèšta do Maja is one of the most authentic expressions of Molise's intangible cultural heritage. It has its roots in the agrarian cults of rebirth and fertility of the land: at the center of the festival is the Maja, a large anthropomorphic figure entirely covered with flowers, herbs, and branches, a symbol of the return of spring. A person hides inside the vegetal structure and makes it move along the village streets, encountering the community.
Croatian-Molise identity
Acquaviva Collecroce (Kruč in the local language) is one of the three municipalities in Basso Molise where the Croatian-Molise linguistic minority survives, a community that settled in the area starting from the 15th century and still preserves the na-našu language today. The festival intertwines the arboreal rite with this unique identity in Italy, and in recent years it has received the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Italy, confirming its international symbolic value.
Four days of celebration
The event unfolds over several days between late April and early May: from flower trekking for flower gathering to the participatory assembly of the Maja, from the grand parade accompanied by folk groups to creative workshops, from tastings of traditional cuisine to nature excursions. An opportunity to discover a little-known corner of the province of Campobasso and a tradition that has endured for centuries.
Maja Festival — edition 2026
The Festa del Maja 2026 in Acquaviva Collecroce unfolded over four days, intertwining ancient rites, Croatian-Molise identity, and experiential activities. The support of the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Italy was confirmed. The key day was May 1st, with the Maja parade through the village streets accompanied by folk groups, followed by workshops, tastings, and shows in the square.
Programme Maja Festival 2026
Thursday, April 30 — Preparation
- 08:00–13:00 — Flower trekking: excursion and flower gathering
- 15:00–20:00 — Maja Experience: participatory assembly of the Maja
- 20:30 — Communal dinner
Friday, May 1 — Maja Day
- 09:00–13:00 — Maja Parade with folk groups
- 10:30–17:30 — Creative workshops and tastings
- 16:00–18:00 — Shows in the square
- 18:30–20:00 — Guided tour with tasting
Saturday, May 2 — Croatian-Molise Roots
- 10:00–11:00 — Village tour
- 11:00–14:00 — Croatian-Molise cuisine cooking class
- 16:00–18:00 — na-našu language workshop
Sunday, May 3 — Nature and Tradition
- 10:00–14:00 — Walking and e-bike excursions with picnic
- 16:00–18:00 — Botanical workshop and handmade paper workshop with flowers
Highlights Maja Festival 2026
Prices Maja Festival 2026
Practical information — Maja Festival
How to get there
Acquaviva Collecroce is located in Basso Molise, in the province of Campobasso. By car, it can be reached from the SS650 Trignina (Montemitro/Acquaviva exit). The nearest train station is Termoli, on the Adriatic line, from which to continue by car.
Information
For the updated program and activity schedules, contact the Municipality of Acquaviva Collecroce (tel. +39 0875 970128). Many activities are free to participate in; some workshops and tastings may require booking.
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Where does it take place — Maja Festival
Centro storico di Acquaviva Collecroce
Piazza Nicola Neri, 86030 Acquaviva Collecroce