The little village of Satriano di Lucania located inside the Appenine National Park in South Italy. On the last Sunday before Mardi Gras, Satriano gets populated by people dressed up as u rumit (the hermits). This disguise, also considered to be an arboreal ritual, represents a man fully covered in heather leaves.
A shepherd, a traditional mask for Satriano carnival parade.
The bear, a traditional mask for Satriano carnival parade.
"u Rumit" - the hermit - walking around the streets of Satriano. As a local ritual, the morning before the traditional Walking Forest starts, a group of spontaneous Rumitas wander around town to knock at people's doors.
"u Rumit" - the hermit - fully covered in heater leaves.
A group of "Rumit" - the hermits - walking out the woods around Satriano in silence to recreate the ancient tradition of the Walking Forest.
Parade of a group of "Rumit" - the hermits - fully covered in heater leaves around the streets of Satriano.
Once the parade is over, a bonfire is lit in the village.