International Folklore Festival – Ru Maccature

The Village That Dances the World

The International Folklore Festival of Carpinone, in the province of Isernia, is one of the most prestigious folklore events in Italy. For two days, August 11th and 12th, the small Molise village transforms into a welcoming multi-ethnic universe: over 300 artists and groups from dozens of nations across the five continents bring traditional dances, costumes, and music to the square, in front of thousands of spectators. About fifty national flags flutter along the main street.

A History Spanning Over Thirty Years

The event is organized by the Ru Maccature Folk Group, founded in 1971, which has been hosting the festival since 1992, becoming an annual event with a stable format since 2006. The artistic direction is entrusted to Michele Castrilli, national councilor of the Italian Federation of Popular Traditions. Over the years, Carpinone has become a reference point for cultural exchange and the promotion of popular traditions.

Two Days of Celebration

On August 11th, the Night of Integration (White Night of Tradition) takes place, an evening where the public and guest groups dance and sing together to world music, from African to Latin and Balkan sounds. August 12th is the main day: in the afternoon, the grand parade crosses the village streets, followed by the ceremony of national anthems and, in the evening, the folklore gala, a show rich in colors, choreography, and music. For Carpinone and for all of Molise, it is the summer event that opens the village to the entire world.