The Mysteries of Campobasso

Since then, the Mysteries have faithfully accompanied the celebration of Corpus Christi in the Molise capital, with about two hundred men carrying on their shoulders 13 wooden structures on which live actors dressed as saints stand, portraying without moving themes related to the history of the church and Christianity: for example, Saint Anthony the Abbot; the Immaculate Conception; Abraham; the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. True living tableaux that, although silent and still, manage to convey a strong religious and emotional charge to the faithful in procession, aided by costumes and choreography prepared with extreme care and skill. The carriers walk about ten kilometers, crossing the city with a fast and rhythmic pace, guided by the so-called capurali, one for each Mystery, who direct the movements, pauses, and lifts of the machines with a piece of reed. This ceremony is one of the most heartfelt and anticipated in Campobasso and the entire Molise; deeply rooted in the spirit of the population, who consider it one of the highest and most significant moments of their culture. A moment of gathering that goes beyond mere folklore, reflecting the strong Christian spirituality that has always characterized the people of Molise.