Palio delle Oche and Medieval Festival ANSERVM

A miniature Siena on the Molise coast

Some have called it "the Siena of Molise": banners on windows, colorful streamers, districts in ferment, and an entire town dressing up for a festival. The Palio delle Oche in Campomarino, in the province of Campobasso, is one of the most cherished historical re-enactments in Basso Molise. Founded in 2019 on the initiative of the association La Compagnia del Bosco and the Comitato delle Contrade, it takes place every last Sunday of April, coinciding with the feast of the patron saint, San Vincenzo Ferreri.

The legend of the saving geese

The event has its roots in a fifteenth-century episode. According to local tradition, during a Turkish incursion, it was the geese that sounded the alarm, waking the inhabitants with their honking. The villagers managed to take refuge in the crypt of the church, under the statue of San Vincenzo Ferreri. Hence the inseparable link between the palio and the patron saint, and the motto that accompanies the re-enactment. The historical context recalls the figure of Andrea di Capua, Count of Campomarino at the end of the 15th century.

The nine districts and the race

Nine districts, each with its own banner, compete for the prize. The goose race takes place along the route leading from the heart of the village towards the church of Santa Maria a Mare. Before the sporting challenge, the public witnesses the historical procession with flag-wavers, musicians, knights, and ladies, the blessing of the geese, and the solemn oath of the jockeys. The historical group Magister Anseris leads the parade and manages the ceremony.

The novelty: the ANSERVM Medieval Festival

Since 2026, the Palio has been preceded, on the day before, by the ANSERVM Medieval Festival: the Contado di Molise animates the historic center with costumed figures, artisans, duels, jousts, themed inns, and scenes of medieval life. An additional opportunity to immerse yourself in the village's atmosphere, among fire artists and live musicians.

Useful information

Admission is free. The event, organized by the Comitato delle Contrade together with the Municipality of Campomarino, is broadcast live on the Facebook and YouTube channels "Il Palio delle Oche". Food stalls accompany the two days of festivities.