The Gate of Hell: Ru Carnevale re Sernia

In Isernia, Carnival is not just about masks and colors, it is a journey into the most authentic traditions.

Among the events of Ru Carnevale re Sernia (The Isernia Carnival), La Porta dell’Inferno (The Gate of Hell) stands out as a popular play deeply rooted in local folklore. Year after year, it continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of satire, music, and theater.

An Ancient Ritual Brought to Life

This dialectal performance was born from the creativity of Giotto De Matteis, who, in the late 1920s, transformed folk tales and beliefs into a collective and engaging spectacle.

The play tells the story of a group of damned souls who, upon reaching the Gate of Hell, are questioned by the Devil about their origins and the fate that awaits them. Through songs and ironic dialogues, the performance paints a vivid portrait of Isernia’s society, highlighting its trades and unique characters.

Where and When

The masquerade will take place on Saturday, March 1, with a double performance: at 5:00 PM in the cloister of Palazzo San Francesco, followed by another at 7:00 PM in Piazza Celestino V.

In case of bad weather: If the weather conditions do not allow for an outdoor performance, the event will be held at the Auditorium ‘Unità d’Italia’ at 6:00 PM. This venue will ensure the same immersive atmosphere, allowing the audience to fully experience the masquerade without interruption.

The main characters of the Masquerade

The strength of this performance lies in its characters, symbolic figures who embody the virtues and vices of the community. Among the protagonists are:

• The Devil, guardian of Hell and supreme judge;
• The Lawyer, who tries to defend the damned souls with his rhetorical skills;
• The Engineer, the Doctor, and the Notary, representatives of respectable professions, yet not free from guilt;
• The Veterinarian, the Pharmacist, and the Music Teacher, each carrying their own baggage of stories and sins;
• The Bricklayer, the Carpenter, the Shoemaker, the Painter, the Blacksmith, and the Tailor, trades that symbolize the industriousness of the city;
• The Sacristan, the Barber, the Butcher, and the Devout Woman, who add a touch of irony and social satire;
• The Peasant, a symbol of the simple people, yet not exempt from human flaws.

Through their dialogues and songs, these characters bring to life a sharp and ironic portrayal of society, offering a light-hearted yet effective critique of customs and behaviors of the time.

Music, costumes, and atmosphere

What makes La Porta dell’Inferno unique are the scenic elements that define it. The music, originally composed by G. Passarelli, has been rediscovered and reworked over time thanks to the efforts of local musicians, including Piero Ricci, who have restored these melodies to their authentic essence.

The costumes, designed by Emilia Leone, help recreate the atmosphere of a past that still echoes through the streets of the city, while the direction of Emilia Vitullo ensures an engaging and faithful staging of tradition.

The result is an immersive experience, where the audience is transported into a world of sounds, colors, and intertwining stories—a dance between the sacred and the profane, between irony and reflection.

An invitation to participate

The masquerade is not just a show to watch but an event to experience firsthand. Children and adults are welcome to join the performance dressed as devils, gathering at 4:30 PM at the Town Hall. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and become part of a tradition that has stood the test of time.

Participating in La Porta dell’Inferno means reliving one of the most authentic expressions of the Isernia Carnival, a play that has spanned decades while preserving its evocative power. This is Carnival in its purest form—street theater, live music, social satire, and, above all, an unbreakable bond with the beating heart of the city.

Whether you wish to watch as a spectator or take part in the masquerade, don’t miss this extraordinary chance to experience the Isernia Carnival like never before!