U Marauašce – Saint Joseph's Fires
The great Saint Joseph's bonfire in the heart of Basso Molise
About U Marauašce
Saint Joseph's Fire
In Santa Croce di Magliano (province of Campobasso), the Saint Joseph's feast on March 19th is celebrated with U Marauašce, a great fire ritual that is among the most heartfelt and anticipated in the community. The bonfire, a symbol of protection and rebirth in peasant culture, marks the approach of spring and combines the sacred and popular dimensions.
From Blessed Embers to the Great Bonfire
The evening follows a precise ritual: after attending Mass in the Mother Church and the lighting and blessing of the "mother fire" in the churchyard, blessed embers are brought to Piazza Crapsi to light the great Marauašce of the Pro Loco Quattro Torri. Other bonfires are lit in all the town's districts, in a night that illuminates the entire village.
A Community Feast
Around the fire, the celebration continues with music, dancing, local gastronomy, wine, and the traditional scarpelle, offered to participants. A gathering open to all, where the sacred and the popular intertwine in a ritual that continues to tell the identity of Santa Croce di Magliano and Basso Molise.
U Marauašce — edition 2026
For the Saint Joseph's feast in 2026, Santa Croce di Magliano renewed the U Marauašce ritual, one of the most defining moments of the year. The evening, organized by the Pro Loco Quattro Torri with the Municipality, intertwined religious devotion and popular tradition around the sacred fire.
After Mass and the blessing of the mother fire, the blessed embers were brought to Piazza Crapsi to light the great bonfire, while other fires were lit in the districts. Music, dancing, 'scarpelle', and wine enlivened the feast, open to the entire community.
Programme U Marauašce 2026
Thursday, March 19th
- 6:00 PM — Mass in the Mother Church
- 7:00 PM — Lighting and blessing of the "mother fire" in the churchyard; blessed embers are brought to light the community bonfire
- 7:30 PM — Lighting of the great Marauašce by Pro Loco Quattro Torri in Piazza Crapsi
- Fires lit in all districts of the town
- Music with DJ Lollo, dancing, 'scarpelle', local gastronomy, and wine offered to participants
Highlights U Marauašce 2026
Prices U Marauašce 2026
Practical information — U Marauašce
How to get there
Santa Croce di Magliano is located in the province of Campobasso, in Basso Molise. By car from the A14 (Termoli exit) and the SS 87 state road.
When
March 19th, Saint Joseph's feast day. Bonfire lit in the evening in Piazza Crapsi.
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Where does it take place — U Marauašce
Piazza Crapsi