Grape Festival of Riccia
The parade of grape floats that has recounted the peasant civilization of Fortore since the 1930s
About Grape Festival
A unique tradition in Molise
The Grape Festival of Riccia, in the heart of 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 identity event of the town.
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 true mobile arks: polychrome compositions covered with grapes glued one by one, capable of depicting images, scenes, and decorations of great effect. Each float traditionally bears an image of the Madonna del Rosario, uniting the religious and peasant dimensions. Alongside the floats, costumed figures and reconstructions of past agricultural life scenes parade.
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 Grape Festival 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 Fortore.
Grape Festival — edition 2026
The 94th Grape Festival of Riccia confirms its date in September 2026, with the highlight on the second Sunday of the month. The hamlets of the town are already working on the allegorical floats covered in 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 Grape Festival 2026
The detailed program for the 94th edition will be published by the Grape Festival Committee in the weeks preceding the event (website festadelluvadiriccia.it). The established structure includes:
- Previous days — float setup in the hamlets, exhibitions, and collateral initiatives
- Second Sunday of September (13/9/2026) — grand parade of grape allegorical 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 town's streets
- Performances by musical bands, folk groups, flag wavers, and majorettes
- Evening concerts and final float awards
The names of the 2026 musical guests will be announced by the Committee shortly before the event.
Highlights Grape Festival 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 Grape Festival 2026
Practical information — Grape Festival
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 closing day.
Admission
Free. Information: [email protected]
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Where does it take place — Grape Festival
Centro storico di Riccia