Every year, from May 25 to 27, Larino dresses up for the Carrese in honor of San Pardo, a spectacular parade of ox-drawn carts decorated with crepe paper flowers. Unlike San Martino in Pensilis, Ururi and Portocannone, where the Carrese is a race, in Larino it takes the form of a slow and evocative procession.
This tradition is rooted in devotion to the patron saint and celebrates the translation of his relics from Daunia, which took place on a decorated farm wagon. The festival follows a specific ritual that has been repeated for centuries.
On May 25, about 120 wagons leave from the historic center to reach the San Leonardo plane, where the statue of St. Primian is taken from the municipal cemetery, symbolically inviting him to the feast. In the evening, a torchlight procession accompanies the floats back to the town, creating an atmospheric atmosphere.
On May 26, the floats parade through the narrow streets of the old town, followed by the procession of the thirteen saints, carried on the shoulders of the town’s men.
On the last day, May 27, the floats return to the St. Leonard plane to relocate the statue of St. Primian to the cemetery. The day continues with a festive outing before the procession returns to the cathedral, closing the celebration with a final moment of collective devotion and joy.
This is a unique event that combines history, religion and tradition, keeping alive the link between the community and its roots.