The Walking Forest – Satriano Carnival

The Walking Forest: unusual Carnival with men dressed as trees.

On February Saturday and Sunday before the beginning of Lent, Satriano di Lucania, a small town located in the National Park of Lucano Apennines, in the province of Potenza is celebrating a very unusual Carnival: the “Walking Forest”

The Walking Forest is a unique event where men are dressing up like trees. These men, called Rumita (from the word ‘hermit’), are completely covered in ivy leaves and wear a walking stick with a branch of butcher’s-broom (called frùscio) at the top.

On Saturday there is a wedding celebration with role reversals, where men dress up as women and vice-versa.

On Sunday, the Rumìtas, dressed as trees, leave the forest and arrive in the village. While they wander the streets, they knock on people’s houses with the frùscio. According to tradition, this ceremony brings luck and Rumitas receive, in exchange, food and gifts.

Satriano Carnival’s Walking Forest is symbolically composed of 131 walking trees, which represent the 131 towns of Basilicata.

Everybody can participate in the event by dressing up as a tree and becoming a Rumita for a day and transmitting an ecological message: to restore an old relationship with the Earth to respect future generations.

The Carnival of Satriano is also a green event:
– biodegradable glasses,
– advertising material printed on FSC paper,
– seasonal and farm food,
– garbage is selected and divided following strict rules of recycling.

The event is organized by the association Al Parco in collaboration with Satriano’s Municipality, the National Park of Apennine Lucano, APT Basilicata, associations, volunteers and private corporates.

ItalybyEvents is not responsible for changes in dates or programs
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(photo: event’s Facebook page)
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ARE YOU IN BASILICATA?
Take the opportunity to enjoy typical food and wine>>>

ARE YOU IN A DIFFERENT ITALIAN AREA?
Have a look at a selection of Carnival events around Italy>>>