Isernia’s events calendar reflects its deep agricultural and religious traditions. The standout event is the Onion Fair in late June, but the city and surrounding villages also host food sagre through summer, a solemn Easter procession, and cultural programming in September. For weather by month information, see our Isernia weather by month.. For best time to visit information, see our best time to visit Isernia.. Most events are free to attend and take place in the historic centre.
Events and Festivals in Isernia: Annual Calendar
Good Friday Procession (Venerdi Santo), March or April
The Good Friday procession through Isernia’s medieval streets is one of Molise’s most solemn religious events. Beginning at the Cathedral of St. Peter the Apostle at 8:00 PM, hooded penitents carry a 17th-century wooden statue of the Dead Christ through the historic centre, accompanied by a marching band playing funeral dirges. The route passes along Corso Marcelli, Piazza Celestino V, and Via Roma, lit only by torches. Date varies with Easter (March or April). For things to do information, see our things to do in Isernia.. For neighborhoods information, see our neighborhoods guide for Isernia.. Arrive by 7:30 PM for a good viewing spot on Corso Marcelli.
Fiera delle Cipolle (Onion Fair), June 28 and 29
The Fiera delle Cipolle is Isernia’s most famous event and has run for over 500 years. Held on June 28 and 29 for the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, the fair fills the historic centre with market stalls selling the celebrated San Pietro red onion, a large, sweet, wine-coloured variety that is a Slow Food Presidium product. Beyond onions, you’ll find local cheese (caciocavallo, pecorino), cured meats, and truffle products from nearby San Pietro Avellana. Food stalls serve onion-based dishes including frittata di cipolle (onion omelette) and zuppa di cipolle (onion soup). For where to stay information, see our where to stay in Isernia.. For travel tips information, see our Isernia travel tips.. The event runs from 9:00 AM to midnight both days with live folk music starting around 7:00 PM.
International Bagpipe Festival, Late July, Scapoli
Held in the village of Scapoli, 21 km north of Isernia, this unique festival brings together zampogna (Italian bagpipe) players from across Europe. Performances take place in the piazza and narrow streets of the hilltop village over a weekend in late July. In addition to the music, there are craft demonstrations showing how the instruments are made from olive wood and goatskin. Free entry. Drive from Isernia via the SS85 and SP86 (25 minutes). Parking is limited in the village so arrive before 10:00 AM or park in the lower lot and take the shuttle.
Settembre Isernino (Isernia September), Throughout September
Settembre Isernino is a month-long cultural programme coordinated by the city council. Events include open-air cinema screenings in Piazza Andrea d’Isernia, classical and jazz concerts at the Auditorium Unita d’Italia on Via Giovanni XXIII, art exhibitions at the Palazzo San Francesco, and food and wine tastings featuring Molise DOC wines (Tintilia, Pentro). Most events are free. The full programme is published in the last week of August on the Comune di Isernia website and on posters around the city.
Summer Sagre (Food Festivals), June to September
- Sagra della Pasta alla Molisana (late June, Roccasicura, 5 km south): Fresh pasta with local ragu and pecorino cheese. Saturday evening from 7:00 PM; plate of pasta around 7 euros.
- Sagra del Tartufo (first weekend of August, San Pietro Avellana, 23 km north): Truffle festival with truffle-hunting demonstrations, market stalls, and truffle-based dishes. Plates from 8 to 15 euros.
- Sagra della ventricina (mid-August, various villages): Celebrating Molise’s signature spicy cured pork sausage. Look for events in Fornelli (12 km southwest) and Rionero Sannitico (20 km northwest).
- Sagra dell’Uva (late September, various villages): Grape harvest festivals with local Pentro and Tintilia wines. Castelpetroso (15 km southeast) and Pesche (4 km east) both hold well-attended sagre.
Christmas Market, December
The Isernia Christmas market sets up in Piazza Andrea d’Isernia from the first weekend of December through January 6 (Epiphany). Wooden stalls sell local crafts, Christmas decorations, and seasonal food including torrone (nougat), roasted chestnuts, and vin brule (mulled wine). A nativity scene (presepe) is displayed in the cathedral and a living nativity is performed on December 26. The market is open daily 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, extending to 10:00 PM on weekends.
