tH
# 78 APRIL 18 , 2016
The Carrese of San Martino in Pensilis is among
the dearest events to the
population of Molise. A
poet from San Martino has
described it as an "archaic
collective prayer in honor
of St. Leo": a race of ox carts, each led by three men
and "pushed" by riders
behind and to the sides
haranguing with rods. The
winning team is awarded
with the honor to carry on
its chariot, in procession,
the body of St. Leo who
the event is dedicated to.
and fireworks are lighten
up. The first one is also
the day of the race: the
carts receive the blessing
around 1 pm, then head
to the start, walking back
the 8 km route of the race.
Arrived at the start point,
they wait for the "go" from
the mayor to begin their
race to the finish line.
Behind this race beats
the heart of many cheering and fervent people
who carefully prepare the
whole event: the evening
of the first day in the main
square the songs of Carrese are sung, parade floats What's the meaning of
WE THE ITALIANS | 23
www.wetheitalians.com