La Carrese: the ox race in Chieuti

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Every year the appointment with the Carrese is renewed in Chieuti, which is undoubtedly the most awaited during the celebrations in honor of the patron saint San Giorgio Martire.
The saint is also the protector of Giorgio Castriota Skanderbeg, national hero of the Albanian people against the Ottomans, who settled a large community of his fellow countrymen in Chieuti.
In fact, even today Chieuti proudly preserves the Albanian language, traditions and culture called “arbëreshë”.

The week before April 22nd, preparations for the festival begin, with the creation of the “tarallo” in honor of St. George the Martyr consisting of handmade caciocavallo paste of about 80 kg, adorned with the colors of the four floats.

On April 21 there is the entrance of the Laurel carried by the four carts pulled by oxen for the blessing in front of the Church; Each citizen takes a branch from his or her own wagon, to be affixed in front of his or her home as a sign of blessing and prosperity.

On April 22, the day of the Carrese, the day begins with the mass of the careers in which the parish priest blesses the participants.
This is followed by the extraction of the folder in which the starting order of the four floats will be established.
In the early afternoon, the traditional chariot race begins.
The winner will have the honor of carrying the patron saint on his shoulders in procession the following day.

The Arbëreshë minorities with their food and wine culture will be represented for the first time by this municipality at the Lugano Fair 2024.

La Carrese 2024 has received the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for the realization of cultural activities in favor of Italian descendants, to be carried out for the Year of Italian Roots.