"Tirata del Carro" (Pull of Chariot) of Fontanarosa

Discover

The exciting spectacle of the “Tirata del Carro” of Fontanarosa has been taking place for centuries. The ancestral bond with this tradition unites young and old, Fontanarosa residents, foreigners and emigrants.

In fact, the local inhabitants dedicate a lot of effort and passion to the preparation of these chariots. The ears of wheat are woven with great skill to create shapes and patterns, resulting in a work that is a true show of talent and craftsmanship.

It is not known the certain date of the origin of the ritual of the “tirata del carro” of Fontanarosa, but popular tradition identifies the chariot as an ex-voto of the farmers in honor of the “Madonna della Misericordia” to implore protection and in order to have a fruitful harvest.

How the chariot is assembled

The raising of the dome is entrusted to expert master carpenters, “flying men” also called “rope angels” who move nimbly through the complex wooden framework at over 20 meters in height.

The structure of the chariot is made up of 20 wooden poles held together by medieval carpentry techniques thanks to joints, bolting and binding with hemp ropes which guarantee elasticity to the machine.

The first operation consists in raising the central pole which is kept in balance by a series of ropes.

After this first phase the main pole is in a vertical position and is balanced by other ropes. Two winches are set in motion with a system of levers, pulleys and rollers that slowly raise the dome.

In the first week of August the throne is raised with the statue of the “Madonna della Misericordia” and it is the most emotional moment of the assembly. Precise interweaving of ropes, careful balancing of forces, bated breath until the solemn positioning at the top of the chariot.

In the following days you can witness the assembly of the registers that make up the various floors of the obelisk.

“Tirata del carro”: the program

We said that when the statue of the Virgin Mary reaches the top of the chariot the feast can begin.

In the following days the parade of the “gregne” is celebrated starting from Contrada Sianana, where the countryside immediately adjacent to the town is located. To the rhythm of ancient dances and songs, accompanied by the accordion, the sheaves of wheat are carried in procession on their heads, by men and women dressed in traditional clothing, throughout the town. The stop takes place at the Santuario Maria SS. della Misericordiafor the blessing of the “gregne” bearers.

In the following days you can witness the assembly of the registers that make up the chariot.

🡪 On August 13th the mass under the chariot is celebrated.

🡪 August 14th is the big day of the “tirata del carro”

It is possible to take part in the event as an observer but also as a rope worker and therefore have access to the event after registering with the membership form.

The “tirata”: a widespread tradition

Wheat rites are very widespread, in Irpinia and beyond. Celebrations of this type are held in Flumeri, Fontanarosa, Frigento, Foglianise, Jelsi, Mirabella Eclano, San Marco dei Cavoti and Villanova del Battista.

With the collaboration of the Suor Orsola Benincasa University of Naples, attempts have been made to obtain recognition as a UNESCO intangible heritage site.