The documentary film Carne et Ossa, which chronicles the annual Corsa degli Zingari ritual in the Italian town of Pacentro, has been released on the streaming platform RaiPlay.
Directed by Roberto Zazzara, the project was produced by the Pescara-based company Ifa Produzione Cinematografica. The film provides an in-depth look at the historic race, a centuries-old tradition held in the Abruzzo region.
The Corsa degli Zingari
The Corsa degli Zingari, or “Race of the Gypsies,” is a barefoot footrace where participants run down a mountainside and cross the Vella River to reach the village of Pacentro. The event is deeply rooted in local culture and is held annually in honor of the Madonna di Loreto.
Zazzara’s film captures the physical and emotional commitment of the runners, who compete to demonstrate their endurance and devotion. The documentary focuses on the intersection of human endurance and local folk tradition.
Production and Distribution
The film is the result of a collaboration between Zazzara and Ifa Produzione Cinematografica. By securing a release on RaiPlay, the production aims to reach a broader audience interested in Italian cultural heritage and ethnographic filmmaking. The film is now accessible to viewers across Italy through the state broadcaster’s digital platform.
Why it matters: This documentary preserves a specific regional tradition that might otherwise be overlooked by mainstream audiences. By documenting the Corsa degli Zingari, the film ensures that the cultural history and local practices of Abruzzo are archived and accessible to a global audience, highlighting the importance of regional rituals in modern society.