Palio delle Quercigliole e Festa della Madonna della Neve

A centuries-old palio at the foot of Molise

In Ripalimosani, a small village in the province of Campobasso, the Palio delle Quercigliole is much more than a horse race: it is the identity core of the community. Its origins are lost in time — a poster from 1907 celebrated its centenary, tracing the first edition back to 1807, while a document preserved in the library of the Capuchin Friars of Campobasso suggests an even earlier date, 1765. By convention, editions are counted from 1807, and the 220th was held in 2025.

The bareback race of the six districts

The race takes place in Contrada Quercigliole, on a small hill about two kilometers from the town where the Chapel of the Madonna della Neve stands. The riders start from the tratturo and cover about a kilometer: the course runs mostly on flat ground, with the final stretch uphill, and it's an elimination challenge. Representing the town are the six historic districts — Villaggi, Morgione, Piazza, San Rocco, Santa Lucia, and Castello — whose jockeys ride bareback, without saddles, in a test of balance and courage.

The rite of the Madonna

The most exciting moment comes at the end of the race: the winning rider, after receiving the commission's congratulations, leads his horse into the Chapel of the Madonna della Neve and makes it kneel before the little Madonna. It is a gesture of profound devotion that inextricably links the sporting competition to the religious festival. On the evening of August 12th, the village gathers for traditional picnics, artistic performances, and fireworks that conclude the celebrations.