Patronal Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Riccia
The co-patronal feast of Riccia, featuring novena, procession, and the Knights of Saint Augustine on horseback
About Our Lady of Mount Carmel
The co-patronal feast of Riccia
The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the main religious festival in Riccia, in the province of Campobasso, and is celebrated every year around July 16th, the liturgical day of the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel. It is an event deeply felt by the community, which experiences days of emotion, devotion, and great popular participation.
From novena to procession
In the days preceding the feast, the novena takes place: the statue of the Madonna is transferred from the church of Santa Maria del Carmine to the Mother Church, where the preparatory services are held. On the day of the feast, after the solemn Mass, the statue is carried in procession through the historic streets of the town, accompanied by the faithful.
The Knights of Saint Augustine
Among the most characteristic elements of the feast is the parade of the Knights of Saint Augustine, with caparisoned horses accompanying the procession: an iconic image that links religious devotion to the local equestrian traditions of the Fortore Molisano.
The civil celebration
The religious part is complemented by the civil celebration: evening concerts with Italian music stars (in past editions, among others, Franco Ricciardi and Giusy Ferreri), dances, entertainment, and illuminations that light up the town center. The feast is organized by the Comitato Madonna del Carmine (Our Lady of Mount Carmel Committee).
Our Lady of Mount Carmel — edition 2026
In 2026 too, Riccia celebrates its co-patronal feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, with the main day on July 16th. The traditional elements are confirmed: the novena of preparation with the transfer of the statue to the Mother Church, the solemn Mass, the procession, and the characteristic parade of the Knights of Saint Augustine with caparisoned horses. In the evening, a concert and illuminations in the historic center.
Programme Our Lady of Mount Carmel 2026
The complete 2026 program will be published by the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Committee (website festamadonnadelcarmine.it) in the weeks preceding the event. The traditional structure includes:
- Preceding days — novena with transfer of the statue from Santa Maria del Carmine to the Mother Church
- July 16th — solemn Mass and procession of the statue through the historic streets of the town
- Parade of the Knights of Saint Augustine with caparisoned horses
- In the evening: concert with Italian music stars, dances, and illuminations
The musical guest for 2026 will be announced by the Committee shortly before the feast.
Highlights Our Lady of Mount Carmel 2026
The procession on July 16th and the parade of the Knights of Saint Augustine on horseback are the most anticipated moments of the feast.
Prices Our Lady of Mount Carmel 2026
Practical information — Our Lady of Mount Carmel
How to get there
Riccia (CB) is reachable by car from the SS17; about 30 km from Campobasso. Nearest train station: Campobasso.
When
Around July 16th (fixed liturgical date), with novena in the preceding days.
Admission
Religious celebrations and civil concerts are free admission.
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Where does it take place — Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Centro storico e Chiesa Madre di Riccia