Riccia’s “Festa dell’Uva” represents a unique tradition in Molise, whose origins date back to Roman rites dedicated to Bacchus, god of wine. However, the actual celebration originated in the early 1930s, when the fascist regime imposed the holding of this festival in all Italian municipalities. The first documented edition in Riccia dates back to 1931.
Initially, the festival was simple: girls, dressed as “pacchiane,” paraded with wicker baskets filled with grapes, while floats decorated with vine shoots and leaves accompanied the procession amid singing and wine distribution. Over time, the event evolved until the 1960s, when it was decided to bring it forward from the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, making it more articulated and full of events.
The allegorical floats, crafted with dedication, pay homage to the local agricultural and winemaking traditions, with structures and tools largely composed of grape clusters. Similar to carnival floats, they require a long and meticulous preparation process, reflecting collective effort and devotion.
On the day of the festival, in addition to the parade of floats, the town comes alive with flag-waving performances, street artists, concerts, and folk groups. Tastings of local products complete the experience, offering visitors an authentic immersion into local traditions. A celebration that lasts from dawn until late at night, making it an unmissable opportunity to discover Riccia and its cultural heritage.