Events in Taranto, Mottola, Castellaneta, Ginosa and nearby
Taranto
May
Festival of Patron Saint Cataldo
Procession taking place in the canal of the city's historical centre. The procession combines both religious moments, with the silver statue of San Cataldo carried from the Cathedral along the canal, and joyful celebrations including a rowing competition and fireworks display.
When:
Where: Via Duomo, Taranto, Puglia
Palio di Taranto
The Palio is a sports competition with ten crews of two rowers representing the ten historic city neighbourhoods. The Palio is divided into two rounds, the first on 8th of May, the day when the celebrations of the city's patron saint San Cataldo are open, the second and decisive in June. The crews have to cover the entire circumnavigation of the ancient village rowing standing, as in Venice, with their handcrafted wooden boats.
When:
Where: Taranto, Puglia
Mottola
August
Mottola A.D 1102
This religious and historical reenactment revolves around the Patron Saint of Mottola, St. Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, who was killed in his cathedral on 29th of December.
When:
Where: Via Giuseppe Mazzini, Mottola, Puglia
Other interesting things you can do in Mottola
Visit the rock-churches
Around Mottola there are some interesting rock-churches that you should visit. Sant'Angelo in Casalrotto is on two floors decorated by Byzantine frescoes. The San Nicola houses frescoes from various epochs. Santa Margherita contains interesting decorations. Along the Prestuccio Ravine there is large number of grottoes interspersed between churches and a monastery.
Castellaneta
August
Sagra da Far'nèdd e dei Sapori di Puglia
This feast is rightly considered the largest in Italy with its 2.5 km route in the heart of the historic centre of Castellaneta. Tasting of typical local delicacies along with "far'nèdd", flour made by grinding together chickpeas and barley.
When: Usually the second week of August
Where: Castellaneta city centre
San Marzano di San Giuseppe
March
The cult of San Giuseppe
A ritual procession of firewood, which takes place on the 18th of March. The entire population gather wood that will carry with towing and tractors. On the 19th of May, tables, called 'mattre', are set up with the best dishes of the local tradition.
When:
Where: Piazza Milite Ignoto, San Marzano, Puglia
Other interesting things you can do in Castellaneta
See the veiw
The ancient town of Castellaneta stands on the edges of its ravine, which is 145 metres deep and 350 metres wide. It is one of the most magnificent ravines of Puglia formed by the water descending from the Murgia. The position of the town is quite spectacular: its seems as if at any moment its houses will collapse into the ravine.
Ginosa
March-April
The Passion Christi
The Pro Loco Ginosa stages the Passion Christi. An acting of the twenty-two biblical scenes that tell the story of Jesus, beginning with the Annunciation, Birth, through the temptations and beatifications to the entrance to Jerusalem and the Last Supper, and concludes with the crucifixion and resurrection.
When: Palm Sunday and Saturday before Easter
Where: Piazza Marconi - Ginosa
Other interesting things you can do in Ginosa
Visit the castle
The beautiful XVI century castle is located on the top of a hill and overlooking the ravine. It was built in 1080 by Roberto Il Guiscardo to defend the city from the invasions of Saracens and it can be reached by a high bridge.
Palagianello
July
International Folk festival
The international folk festival displays ancient traditions which have shaped modern Puglia. Groups from all over the world perform together.
When: Usually end of July
Where: Palagianello city centre
Nearby events
Events in
Martina Franca
and nearby places
Events in
Oria
and nearby places
Taranto info office
Corso Umberto, 121
+39 099 4532397
Mottola info office
Viale Jonio
+39 099 8867640
Castellaneta info office
Via Vittorio Emanuele 89
+39 328 2858086
Ginosa info office
Corso Vittorio Emanuele
+39 099 8290332
