The “Rodolfo de Moulins” historical re-enactment has been held every year since 2000 in the hamlet of Civita Superiore di Bojano, transformed for two days into a charming medieval village. The event, conceived by Prof. Maria Grazia Tagliaferri and organized with the participation of students and former students of the “Giuseppe Lombardo Radice” Institute, is divided into two main moments: a historical conference and a day of procession and theatrical performance.
Friday usually opens with a conference dedicated to the Norman conquest of the South, hosted outdoors in the square of the Church of St. John, with scenery recalling the walls of the ancient Norman castle. During the meeting, enhanced by medieval music, different themes related to the history of the De Moulins are explored each year.
Saturday is devoted to the historical procession and theatrical performance. The procession, consisting of about 30 figures in period dress, re-enacts the Norman dynasty of the De Moulins, led by Rudolph and continued by his descendants. Preceding him are flag-wavers, drummers and clarions, who perform along the route. The procession winds through the streets of the village to Largo San Giovanni, where a performance with flag-wavers and musicians takes place.
The play, staged on the stage set up for the convention, recounts the epic story of Rudolph de Moulins, a Norman leader who arrived in Italy in 1045, his marriage to the Lombard countess Emma Roffrind, and the rise of his dynasty, which led to the birth of the County of Molise in 1142. The story includes such highlights as the battle of Civitate, the alliance with the Normans of Aversa and Capua, and the link with Roger II of Altavilla.
The tale concludes with a message from Rudolph to contemporary Molisians, inviting them to rediscover their historical identity. The evening closes with a new flag-waving performance and the screening of historical short films made by the reenactors themselves.