Festa Patronale della Madonna del Carmine a Riccia
The co-patronal festival of Riccia, featuring novena, procession, and the Knights of Sant'Agostino on horseback
About Madonna del Carmine
The co-patronal festival of Riccia
The Festival of the Madonna del Carmine is the main religious festival of Riccia, in the province of Campobasso, and is celebrated every year around July 16th, the liturgical day of the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel. It is an event deeply felt by the community, which experiences days of emotion, devotion, and great popular participation.
From novena to procession
In the days preceding the festival, the novena takes place: the statue of the Madonna is transferred from the church of Santa Maria del Carmine to the Mother Church, where the preparatory services are held. On the day of the festival, after the solemn Mass, the statue is carried in procession through the historic streets of the town, accompanied by the faithful.
The Knights of Sant'Agostino
Among the most characteristic elements of the festival is the parade of the Knights of Sant'Agostino, with horses adorned to accompany the procession: an identity image that links religious devotion to the local equestrian traditions of the Fortore area of Molise.
The civil festival
The religious part is complemented by the civil part: evening concerts with Italian music guests (in past editions, among others, Franco Ricciardi and Giusy Ferreri), dances, entertainment, and illuminations that light up the centre. The festival is organised by the Comitato Madonna del Carmine (Madonna del Carmine Committee).
Madonna del Carmine — edition 2026
In 2026 too, Riccia celebrates its co-patronal festival of the Madonna del Carmine, with the main day on July 16th. Traditional elements are confirmed: the preparatory novena with the transfer of the statue to the Mother Church, the solemn Mass, the procession, and the characteristic parade of the Knights of Sant'Agostino with their caparisoned horses. In the evening, a concert and illuminations in the historic centre.
Programme Madonna del Carmine 2026
The complete 2026 programme will be published by the Comitato Madonna del Carmine (website festamadonnadelcarmine.it) in the weeks preceding the event. The traditional structure includes:
- Preceding days — novena with transfer of the statue from Santa Maria del Carmine to the Mother Church
- July 16th — solemn Mass and procession of the statue through the historic streets of the town
- Parade of the Knights of Sant'Agostino with caparisoned horses
- In the evening: concert with Italian music guests, dances, and illuminations
The 2026 musical guest will be announced by the Committee closer to the festival.
Highlights Madonna del Carmine 2026
The procession on July 16th and the parade of the Knights of Sant'Agostino on horseback are the most anticipated moments of the festival.
Prices Madonna del Carmine 2026
Practical information — Madonna del Carmine
How to get there
Riccia (CB) is reachable by car from the SS17; about 30 km from Campobasso. Nearest train station: Campobasso.
When
Around July 16th (fixed liturgical date), with novena in the preceding days.
Admission
Religious celebrations and civil concerts are free admission.
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Where does it take place — Madonna del Carmine
Centro storico e Chiesa Madre di Riccia