Soppressata Festival
The Molise soppressata and the feast of Saint Benedicta in Monacilioni
About Soppressata Festival
The soppressata, pride of Monacilioni
The Soppressata Festival in Monacilioni (province of Campobasso, Alto Molise) celebrates the community's signature product. Molise soppressata is prepared with hand-ground pork, lard, salt, and whole peppercorns, without artificial preservatives: the mixture rests, is stuffed into natural casings, and smoked over a fire, according to traditional methods passed down through time.
A tradition since 1977
The festival originated in 1977 and is linked to the feast of Saint Benedicta Martyr, celebrated on the third Sunday of May. Devotion and popular celebration intertwine: the procession of votive images is accompanied by the festival dedicated to the cured meat, in an event that has brought together residents, emigrants, and visitors for almost half a century.
Flavors and conviviality
During the event, you can taste and buy soppressata directly from local producers, along with regional sheep and goat cheeses. The food stalls open in the late afternoon, and the evenings are enlivened by folk groups and the drawing of the Saint Benedicta lottery, in a festive atmosphere typical of Molise villages.
Why it's worth the trip
The Soppressata Festival is the ideal opportunity to visit the charming village of Monacilioni and savor its typical products in their authentic context, amidst the charcuterie traditions, devotion, and hospitality of the Campobasso hinterland.
Soppressata Festival — edition 2026
On Saturday, May 16th, and Sunday, May 17th, 2026, Monacilioni celebrates its Soppressata Festival, linked to the feast of Saint Benedicta Martyr. The Molise soppressata, handmade without preservatives, is the star of the stalls where you can taste and buy it directly from local producers, alongside sheep and goat cheeses. Devotion to the patron saint, with the procession of votive images, intertwines with the gastronomic festival and evenings enlivened by folk groups.
Programme Soppressata Festival 2026
Saturday, May 16th & Sunday, May 17th, 2026 — Monacilioni
- Opening of food stalls in the late afternoon, with tasting and sale of Molise soppressata and sheep/goat cheeses
- Procession of votive images and celebrations in honor of Saint Benedicta Martyr
- Evenings enlivened by folk groups
- Drawing of the Saint Benedicta lottery
Detailed schedules will be announced by the Pro Loco and the Festa Committee in the preceding days.
Highlights Soppressata Festival 2026
- Handmade Molise soppressata, for sale from local producers
- The feast of Saint Benedicta with procession and lottery
- Regional sheep and goat cheeses
Prices Soppressata Festival 2026
Practical information — Soppressata Festival
How to get there
Monacilioni is located in the hinterland of the province of Campobasso, reachable by car via provincial roads. The main transport hubs are in the Campobasso area.
When
The festival takes place in May, coinciding with the feast of Saint Benedicta (third Sunday of May). Food stalls open in the late afternoon.
Admission
Free admission; tastings and purchases at producer stalls.
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Where does it take place — Soppressata Festival
Centro storico di Monacilioni