Re-enactment of the Riflemen of San Nicola
Three centuries of blank shots in honor of the patron saint
About Riflemen of San Nicola
A Tradition Dating Back to 1724
The Re-enactment of the Riflemen of San Nicola is one of the most characteristic events in Molise. In San Giuliano del Sannio, a village in the Sannio region, province of Campobasso, a tradition documented since 1724 is revived every year in honor of the patron saint, San Nicola.
Sixty Riflemen in Costume
The protagonists are about sixty riflemen in historical costume, who carry replicas of ancient arquebuses and fire hundreds of blank shots along the streets and in the village square. The roar of the shots, the smoke, and the costumes bring to life a evocative historical re-enactment, passed down through generations and today characterized by increasing female participation.
Identity and Belonging
More than just a festival, the Riflemen's event is a symbol of San Giuliano del Sannio's identity: for the young people who wear the uniform and for the emigrants who maintain ties with their homeland, the re-enactment is a source of pride and belonging. A repeat of the event also takes place on August 10th.
Riflemen of San Nicola — edition 2026
In 2026, the Re-enactment of the Riflemen of San Nicola took place in San Giuliano del Sannio on May 8th and 9th. As per centuries-old tradition, about sixty riflemen in historical costume paraded through the village streets, firing hundreds of blank shots with replica ancient arquebuses, in honor of the patron saint San Nicola.
The event, marked by increasing female participation, attracted locals and emigrants, confirming itself as a strong moment of identity for the community of the Molise Sannio region. A repeat of the re-enactment is scheduled for August 10th.
Programme Riflemen of San Nicola 2026
Friday, May 8th
- From 4:00 PM — Parade of the Riflemen of San Nicola in historical costume through the village streets, with blank shots from replica ancient arquebuses.
Saturday, May 9th
- From 9:00 AM — Parade and blank shots by the approximately 60 riflemen in honor of the patron saint San Nicola, with the involvement of the population.
Repeat Performance
- August 10th — New re-enactment of the Riflemen of San Nicola.
Highlights Riflemen of San Nicola 2026
The approximately 60 riflemen in costume and the blank shots fired with replica ancient arquebuses, a tradition alive since 1724.
Prices Riflemen of San Nicola 2026
Practical information — Riflemen of San Nicola
How to Get There
San Giuliano del Sannio is located in the Molise Sannio region, in the province of Campobasso, reachable by car from the provincial capital. The re-enactment takes place in the historic center of the village.
Tips
Free admission. As blank shots are fired with replica arquebuses, it is recommended to follow the instructions of the participants and pay attention to young children and sudden noises.
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Where does it take place — Riflemen of San Nicola
Centro storico
Centro storico, 86010 San Giuliano del Sannio