If you love discovering the true spirit of a village, the Giro di San Martino in Gildone is an event you’ll want to mark on your calendar. Every year on November 9, this small village in Molise comes alive with a unique food-and-wine tour that takes you on a stroll through its characteristic stone wine cellars, where you can taste local wines and savor traditional dishes prepared with passion.
The undisputed star of the evening is baccalà arracanato, a traditional dish that combines simple ingredients like salt cod, breadcrumbs, walnuts, and raisins—all baked in the oven to release intense, rich flavors. Alongside this delicacy, you’ll find “pizza manc’ levt,” a rustic, yeast-free focaccia topped with fried anchovies—perfect for those who love authentic, down-to-earth flavors.
But the Giro di San Martino isn’t just about food and wine: the festival is accompanied by folk music and dancing, which transform the narrow streets of the historic center into a stage of joy and togetherness. Local bands play and sing, bringing Molise’s culture and traditions to life on an evening that seems tailor-made for those who want to immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere of a small village.
Getting to Gildone is easy—it’s just 10 km from Campobasso—and once you’re there, you’ll immediately feel enveloped by the warmth of a community proud of its roots. The Giro di San Martino is the perfect opportunity to enjoy an authentic experience, far from the most popular tourist routes, and to discover flavors and sounds that tell a story spanning a thousand years.
If you’re planning a trip to Molise, be sure to include this festival in your itinerary: it’s a special way to encounter the true essence of the region—a blend of traditions, camaraderie, and passion.