The Devil of Tufara
The ancient Molise Carnival and the rite of rebirth
About Devil of Tufara
An ancient Carnival in the heart of Molise
The Devil of Tufara is one of the oldest and most emblematic carnival events in Molise. It takes place in Tufara, a small village in the province of Campobasso in the Fortore Valley, and is organized by the Cultural Association Antica Maschera "Il Diavolo", with the patronage of the Municipality of Tufara and the Molise Region.
The figure of the Devil
The heart of the ritual is the mask of the Devil, an ancestral figure covered in goat skins that embodies the forces of nature and evil, barely restrained by the Gnomes in a procession that culminates in his "sacrifice". Alongside him parade the traditional masks of the village: the Giuria (Jury), the Mamma and Father of Carnival, and U Pisciatur. It is a Carnival that is not just a celebration, but a symbolic representation of the cycle of death and rebirth.
A festival that unites the Italy of masks
The event attracts traditional Carnival groups from various Italian regions every year, creating a dialogue between the anthropomorphic masks of the South and the islands. Conferences and study sessions delve into the anthropological significance of these rites, while Piazza Garibaldi becomes the stage for shows, food stalls, and music.
Devil of Tufara — edition 2026
The Devil of Tufara 2026 confirmed its dual soul, between study and performance. The day of February 7th opened with a conference on anthropomorphic masks and continued in the afternoon with the parade of the Devil and traditional masks, culminating in the evening choral performance and DJ set in Piazza Garibaldi. On February 17th, Shrove Tuesday, the final rite of the Devil was celebrated, the highlight of the Tufara Carnival.
This year again, the festival attracted traditional Carnival groups from several Italian regions, renewing the dialogue between the great popular masks of the South and the islands.
Programme Devil of Tufara 2026
Saturday, February 7, 2026
- 10:30 AM — Conference on anthropomorphic masks (former school building)
- 3:30 PM — Parade of the Devil of Tufara with local masks: the Giuria, the Mamma and Father of Carnival, U Pisciatur, and guest groups
- 7:00 PM — Choral performance in Piazza Garibaldi with all guest groups, food stalls, and DJ set
Guest Groups
- Sos Corriolos (Sardinia)
- Carnevale SanLeuciano (Campania)
- Pulgenella di Castiglione Messer Marino (Abruzzo)
- Bufù di Casacalenda (Molise)
- Arte Apulia and Cavalieri del Fuoco (Puglia)
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (Shrove Tuesday)
- 2:00 PM — Final rite of the Devil through the village streets
Highlights Devil of Tufara 2026
The parade of the Devil covered in goat skins, held back by the Gnomes, and the Shrove Tuesday rite.
Prices Devil of Tufara 2026
Practical information — Devil of Tufara
How to get there
Tufara can be reached by car from Campobasso and the Fortore area; the village is located on the border between Molise, Campania, and Puglia. Parking is available near the historic center.
Tips
Free admission. The main days fall during the Carnival period: it is advisable to check the updated program with the organizing association and the Municipality of Tufara.
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Where does it take place — Devil of Tufara
Centro storico di Tufara
Piazza Garibaldi, 86010 Tufara