Montecilfone: Arbëreshë Culture, Festivals and Hilly Landscape

Montecilfone between Arbëreshë Culture and Hilly Landscape

Even centuries later, Montecilfone preserves the Albanian language and traditions. In the second half of the 15th century, the town was one of the Italian places where Albanian refugees settled. Montecilfone also has bilingual toponymy. This linguistic characteristic is therefore not limited to traditions passed down through the generations: place names also appear in two languages.

Religious Heritage in the Parrocchia San Giorgio Martire

An important cultural point of reference is the Parrocchia San Giorgio Martire. It was formerly a three-aisled church where the Greek Orthodox rite was practiced. The image of the Madonna Grande “Shemrja Madhe” can be seen in the ornate window above the altar.

Forest Trails in the Bosco Comunale Corundoli

The landscape around Montecilfone also offers a distinctive point of interest. The Bosco Comunale Corundoli covers approximately 80 hectares of hilly deciduous forest. Downy oak, Turkey oak and holm oak are predominant. The Bosco Corundoli has trails that can be used on foot or by mountain bike. The tree species and trail use shape different aspects of this woodland area.

Festivals with Religious and Community Connections

A traditional fair precedes the Festa patronale di San Giorgio Martire on 22 April. The festival includes a mass, a procession, a performance in the square and fireworks. The celebration combines religious and public elements. During the Falò di San Giuseppe, fires are lit in the streets and squares in honour of the saint. The wood used for this is collected in the countryside by local young people and children. In the areas around the fires, residents offer sweets and wine.

Local Cuisine and Summer Events

The Sagra delle Drocchie takes place on 14 August and has been held for more than 15 years. At this event, a typical fusilli dish is served in terracotta bowls, accompanied by wine in small, original jugs.

The Albanian summer event “Arbëreshëstate” runs from the last week of July until the end of August. In August, the “Rievocazione dei Carri di S. Antonio da Padova” is also organised by the Comitato dei Carristi, featuring a parade of decorated floats. The summer dates are therefore spread over several weeks: Arbëreshëstate begins in the last week of July and continues until the end of August, while the float parade takes place in August.

Caves in the Hills of Montecilfone

The hills of Montecilfone contain numerous natural caves and cavities, not all of which are yet accessible to people. In addition to the forest, natural cavities are also part of the landscape of the hills.

Other travel destinations: San Massimo, Ferrazzano, Guardiaregia, Montefalcone nel Sannio, Montorio nei Frentani, Sepino, Castropignano, Lido Campomarino.

To the higher-level travel overview: Campobasso.