📍 Location: Basilicata Region, Italy
📅 Dates: January 28 – February 18, 2026
👥 Participants: 10 international volunteers
🤝 Organized by: ESC Team in collaboration with Associazione Al Parco
🌿 About the Experience
The Carnival of Satriano di Lucania is not just a festive gathering—it’s a centuries-old ritual deeply rooted in southern Italy’s cultural and ecological heritage.
Held in a small village nestled within the Lucano Apennine National Park, this event blends myth, nature, and community renewal.
On the final Sunday before Mardi Gras, villagers transform into “Rumita”—a symbolic figure cloaked entirely in ivy leaves.
These silent, walking forests emerge at dawn from the woods and wander through the town, tapping on doors with a holly-tipped wooden stick called a fruscio. Locals respond with quiet reverence, offering food or coins in return.
From late January to mid-February, 10 young volunteers will have the chance to immerse themselves in this living tradition and contribute to its preservation.
🏠 Living Arrangements
Volunteers will stay in shared double rooms in a centrally located apartment in Satriano di Lucania.
As a remote rural town with limited access to major cities, participants should be ready to embrace a slower rhythm of life, closely connected to nature and the local community.
🛠️ Volunteer Tasks & Learning Opportunities
During the project, volunteers will:
Help craft traditional ivy costumes
Join the local team in preparing the carnival
Welcome guests and assist at festival booths
Support eco-friendly initiatives like recycling stations
Explore nearby natural sites and landscapes
Learn about the legends and folklore surrounding the carnival
Discover the village’s rich history through murals and street art
Engage in intercultural exchange with peers from different countries
👤 Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking proactive and enthusiastic individuals who are eager to contribute creatively and practically to every stage of the event. Ideal candidates may have:
Basic skills in photography, videography, digital storytelling, or social media
Artistic or craft abilities for mask-making and decoration
A passion for folk traditions and cultural preservation
Willingness to take on hands-on tasks and logistical support
Environmental awareness and commitment to sustainable practices
Strong English communication skills (Italian is a plus)
Join us our telegram group for more opportunities – t.me/erasmusday
Join us our WhatsApp Channel group for more opportunities –WhatsApp Channel
