::::::: ASSISI ::::::: It’s the first time in the history of Campobasso that di Zinno’s incredible living machines - the Mysteries - leave their city. The occasion is related to the votive offering of oil to the lamp of St. Francesco of Assisi. On 4th October 1991, the Molise Region had the honour of offering oil to the patron saint of Italy so which better way of representing him if not through the ingenious Mysteries. Only three Mysteries were brought to Assisi, St. Anthony the Abbot, the Assumption and Saint Nicholas. Two parades took place in the region of Umbria, one on 3rd October in St. Mary of the Angels, where the Mysteries after a short procession followed by all the civil and military authorities, the gonfalons of all the municipalities of Molise and by various folkloristic groups, ended in front of the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels crowded by thousands of pilgrims. On the 4th October, instead, the Mysteries starting from piazza Municipality of Assisi, were prepared and paraded along the streets of the city always followed by the procession of authorities, until they arrived in front of the Basilica of St. Francesco crowded with pilgrims.

::::::: ROMA ::::::: It is certain, Campobasso and all the Region of Molise witnessed a day they shall never forget, the 27th June 1999, when the thirteen Mysteries of Campobasso, moving from the left side of the Bernini colonnade, where 25 were left in exhibition since Friday, paraded in procession in St. Peter’s square in Rome, positioning themselves before the Holy Father John Paul II, who after a punctual historical – theological comment on the “machines”, blessed them in front of thousands of people and numerous national and international broadcasting televisions. Together we have written a beautiful page which, with no doubt, will be part of the history of Molise. We would like to conclude this short comment on the exceptional day, with a note of pride: certainly we have not discovered only now that St. Peter’s square has seen all kinds of things, but hearing the Holy Father opening his speech saying: “Today St. Peter’s square is hosting a singular initiative. It concerns the sacred representation of the so-called “Mysteries” …” makes us happy to believe, maybe with a little presumption, that our Mysteries, beyond their religious and catechetic message, have been noticed however for their artistic originality that makes them unique in the world.

::::::: THE OLYMPIC FLAME OF THE XX WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES OF TURIN 2006 ARRIVAL IN MOLISE ::::::: IOn 7th January 2006 the Olympic Flame of Turin 2006 arrived in Campobasso, committed to a long journey that took it to all the regions and provinces of Italy; a great feast where all the Italians could personally live the Olympic Spirit, made of values such as Peace, Loyalty, and Brotherhood. The Olympic Flame coming from the Puglia Region arrived in the most youngest region of Italy. Adelina De Soccio, junior European Champion of the 3000 mt. and promising youngster of athletics in Molise, was the protagonist of the lightning of the Olympic brazier, in piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, the most evocative moment of every leg of the journey. Exactly in piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, starting from the afternoon, a great feast took place and it was organized by the Municipality of Campobasso and the Molise Region in collaboration with Turin 2006. Among concerts and demonstrations of the folkloristic and cultural traditions, emerges the parade of a Mystery of the traditional procession which takes place in Campobasso on the day of Corpus Christi. The most evocative Mystery, that of Abraham, paraded along the main street on a winter day arousing astonishment to whom had never seen this tradition and novelty to whom is used to seeing them parade in June.