Like most regions in Italy, Puglia has a brimming calendar of cultural, religious and gastronomic festivals and events. No matter when you come, or where you go, you will always find something going on. Here are a few:
Il Carnevale di Putignano
The longest and some say oldest Carnival in the world! Four parades with allegorical floats and masked merrymakers and lots more besides! Find out more >>
When: 26th December – Shrove Tuesday
Where: Putignano
La Focara per Sant’Antonio Abate
An enormous bonfire is lit to celebrate Sant’Antonio Abate. The townsfolk gather round, chat, eat and drink and when the fire dies out, everyone takes a handful of ashes home for good luck.
When:16th January
Where: Novoli - Lecce
La Processione dei Crociferi
At 8pm on Maundy Thursday over 100 crosses are borne through the streets of Noicattaro near Bari, carried by shoeless devotees dressed in black habits, their faces covered by hoods, a crown of thorns on their heads.
When: Maundy Thursday
Where: Noicattaro - Bari
La Settimana Santa
A series of robed processions following the statues of the Madonna and Jesus through the streets of town.
When: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Saturday
Where: Gallipoli
I Falò di San Giuseppe
In Italy, Father’s Day is on 19th March to coincide with the Festa di San Giuseppe. In an act of purification and hope for a bountiful year bonfires are lit in towns all around Puglia. Pagan and Christian superstitions merge and local communities bond.
When: 19th March
Where: Locorotondo, Conversano, Altamura and many other towns.
La Festa di San Nicola
Celebrating the arrival of San Nicola’s relics in Bari, La Festa di San Nicola attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over the world to join in 3 days of homage to Bari's Patron Saint. On the second day of the event a large staute of the saint is taken by a colourful flotilla along the coast and then back to the Basilica. The event is rounded off by a spectacular firework display. Find out more >>
When: 7th - 9th May
Where: Bari
La Notte Bianca
On the “White Night” nobody in Lecce sleeps! The town is open all night and full of people visiting museums, listening to concerts, going to art exhibitions, etc., many of which are informal on-the-street affairs. A great atmosphere.
When: 2nd July
Where: Lecce
La Festa di Santa Domenica
The little town of Scorrano near Otranto literally lights up on in celebration of its Patron Saint, Santa Domenica. The local artisans, many of whom make festival illuminations for towns all over Italy, come into their own creating large wooden structures and arches up to 36m high, dotted with a kaleidoscope of colourful lights. Not to be outdone, local fireworks companies put on an amazing show on the last night.
When: 6th July
Where: Scorrano
Locus Festival
The 7th edition of this music festival is dedicated to Gil Scott Heron, who died earlier this year. Performers include Jazzanova and Dustin O'Halloran.
When: 15th July - 7th August
Where: Locorotondo
The Festival della Valle D'Itria
Classical music concerts and a cinema festival that has been running since 1975.
When: 15th July - 2nd August
Where: Martina Franca
Otranto Jazz Festival
4 concerts by top Italian jazzers, including Silvia Manco and the Antonion Onorato Quartet.
When: 21st July - 24th July
Where: Minervino, Maglie, Lecce and Otranto
La Festa di Santa Cristina
A rowing regatta and other events to celebrate the town’s Patron Saint.
When: 24th July
Where: Gallipoli
Ceglie Open Jazz Festival
The 6th edition of this annual jazz festival features concerts by some of Italy's top groups.
When: 2nd August - 5th August
Where: Ceglie Messapica
Gusto Dopa al Sole
A four-day music festival featuring Shaggy, Africa Unite, Alborosie and Asian Dub Foundation.
When: 11th August - 14th August
Where: Masseria Torcito near Otranto
La Festa dei Martiri Idruntini
Commemorating the 800 martyrs who died at the hands of the Turks in 1480 for refusing to convert to Islam. After a couple of days of solemnity and processions, the mood picks up on the final day with a little partying and a stunning firework display.
When:13th August – 15th August
Where: Otranto
La Festa della Madonna di Leuca
A statue of the Madonna is paraded through the streets and down to the port, were it is placed on board a specially festooned fishing boat which, accompanied by a flotilla of well-wishers, chugs across the sea to the port of San Gregorio and back. Once the statue is safely back in the sanctuary, it is time for the fireworks and general partying to begin.
When: 15th August
Where: Santa Maria di Leuca
Sagra Pirotecnica della Valle d’Itria
As part of the 5-day celebration of Locorotondo's patron saint, San Rocco, 3 or 4 of Italy's most renowned firework specialists come together for a competition in pyrotechnics. The townsfolk turn out en masse accompanied by droves of curious tourists. At midnight the action begins and it is certainly worth staying up for!
When: 16th August
Where: Locorotondo
La Notte della Taranta
A tribute to the Pizzica Pizzica, Salento’s tarantella dance. Lots of concerts, opportunities to get dancing and to soak up a bit of tradition.
When: 13th August – 28th August (about: exact dates yet to be released for 2011)
Where: the towns of Grecia Salentina south of Lecce, including Melpignano
Fiera di Sant’Oronzo
Processions, partying and wonderful illuminations to celebrate the town’s Patron Saint.
When: 24th August – 26th August
Where: Lecce
La Cavalcata di Sant'Oronzo
In celebration of the town’s Patron Saint, Sant’Oronzo. The saint’s statue is paraded around town with an escort of knights on horseback.
When: around 26th August
Where:Ostuni
La Festa “Te lu Mieru”
3 days of concerts, music, dancing, local food and, most importantly, wine (lu mieru)!
When: 1st weekend of September
Where: Carpignano Salentino
Dalì il Genio
An exhibition of the great Dalì's work!
When: until 25th September
Where: Castello Aragonese, Otranto