Carnival of the Deer Man

On the last Sunday of Carnival, the ritual of the Deer Man, known as Gl’ Cierv, takes place. The performance occurs in the main square of the village, where all the protagonists are present: the Maone (a kind of sorcerer), the janare (witches), the bagpipers, and a group of peasants.

Type of Experience
Duration
One night, after sunset
Difficulty
Easy
Group Size
Individuals/Groups
Suitable For
Everyone
When
February, March, April
Mode of Transportation
Own vehicle
Departure From
Castelnuovo al Volturno

About Carnival of the Deer Man

On the last Sunday of Carnival, in the small hamlet of Castelnuovo al Volturno, the pantomime of the Deer Man takes place.

In the village square, after sunset, the Deer Man enters the scene, covered in goat hides and accompanied by a young doe.

They begin to dance wildly. Only Martino, a Molise version of Pulcinella, is able to calm their ferocity and capture them. The deer, after freeing themselves, are killed by the hunter but are soon revived by him, who whispers something to both. The two deer then return to the mountain, concluding the performance.

A truly unmissable moment of the cultural life of Molise, which will take you back in time, where you can be enchanted and swept away by the wild dances of the Deer. Be careful not to be frightened by the cries of “Gl Cierv”!

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