Majje Dde Le Defenze

An arboreal rite that announces spring

The Majje Dde Le Defenze is the ancient spring rite of Lucito, a municipality in the province of Campobasso located in the Biferno valley. Every May 1st, a man "dresses" a metal structure entirely covered with wildflowers and foliage — the Defenza or Pajara, prepared that very morning — and becomes the personification of "Maggio" (May). It is one of the arboreal festivals of Molise that celebrate the rebirth of nature and the hope for a fertile year.

The procession of the 'maggiaioli'

In the afternoon, around 2 PM, the procession begins and crosses the village streets to the sound of tambourine, scupina, ciaramella, bagpipes, and bufù, accompanied by the singing 'maggiaioli'. The Majje of Lucito is part of a network of similar rites that characterize inland Molise — the Pagliara Maje Maje of Fossalto, the Maja of Acquaviva Collecroce, R Puogliar d'Maj of Colle d'Anchise — all featuring a figure covered in greenery and flowers that announces the month of May.

A rediscovered tradition

The rite was rediscovered in 1988 by Professor Nicolino De Rubertis and, since 1997, has been revived annually by the ALTAIR Cultural Sports Recreational Association. The festival, distinguished in Lucito by its convivial atmosphere with tastings of typical products in the village squares, is now an integral part of the community's identity and attracts visitors interested in the cultural heritage of the Molise Sannio region.