MUFEG: a Community Museum for the Wheat Festival of Jelsi

In the picturesque village of Jelsi, in Molise, the deep bond between the community, the land, and its traditions is celebrated in a special place: the MUFEG, the Community Museum of the Wheat Festival. This museum is not limited to preserving objects from the past — it is a living institution, a guardian of a ritual that has animated village life for over two centuries: the Feast of Saint Anne.

The Festival: an act of faith and gratitude

The origin of the Wheat Festival dates back to 1805, when the community of Jelsi was spared from a devastating earthquake. To thank Saint Anne, the town’s patron saint, the people decided to carry in procession the finest ears of wheat — the fruit of the land that had sustained them. Over the centuries, this act of devotion evolved into a magnificent celebration featuring elaborate “traglie”, or traditional floats.

These are not mere carts, but monumental sculptures entirely made of interwoven wheat stalks. Their creation takes months of collective effort, involving the entire community in a process that is both a ritual and a means of passing down knowledge and values from one generation to the next.

The Exhibition: the art and craft of wheat

The MUFEG is the place where this tradition takes shape and is told in all its details. The exhibition is a true journey that guides visitors through the stages of wheat processing — from grain to ear:

• The tools of the trade: ancient farming implements, from scythes to ploughs, show the hard work and expertise of past generations of farmers.
• The art of weaving: the museum illustrates the techniques and materials used to create the intricate figures and scenes that decorate the traglie.
• Visual memory: a rich photographic archive and video projections recreate the vibrant atmosphere of the procession, showing the faces, traditional costumes, and the majestic movement of the traglie through the streets.

What makes the MUFEG a true community museum is its living nature: it serves as both a meeting place and a workspace. Visitors may even encounter local artisans at work on the traglie for the next festival, making the experience immersive and engaging.

Visitor Information

• Address: Via Municipio, 86015 Jelsi (CB)
• Contacts: Phone: +39 0874 719225
• Opening Hours and Admission: the museum is managed by volunteers and does not have fixed opening times like state museums. It is strongly recommended to contact the museum in advance to arrange a visit. Admission is usually by voluntary donation, reflecting its community spirit.

Visiting the MUFEG is more than observing exhibits — it is a chance to connect with a community and a tradition that still lives in harmony with the land that sustains it.

Cover photo credits: Daniela Pampena, Google Maps