Local Festivals

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As throughout Italy in the summer months so it is in Puglia that festivals are part and parcel of the cultural fabric.

They range from small village affairs to highly organised events lasting several weeks, such as that of the Festival della Valle D'Itria, which takes place in Martina Franca every July and August and has been going strong for more than 30 years.

Open air concerts, opera, theatre and live music ranging from jazz to traditional Italian music are common themes throughout the various festas, sagra and festivals of Puglia.

Every town worth its salt throws a party of some description each year, from wine, beer, pizza or traditional food festas and sagras, to pagan festivals and carnivals. The majority but by no means all take place during the summer.

And if you happen to be in the Taranto province in August don't miss the surreal Moustache and Beard World Championships, held every year in Grottaglie. For lovers of a truly frightening amount of facial hair this is a must!

The first weekend in May generally hosts one of Bari's most important festivals, that of San Nicola. It marks the returning of his bones from Turkey and is a passionate mix of feasts, fireworks and flotillas of boats filling the harbour.

Many other religious feast days are also celebrated throughout the year and most towns have a patron saint whom they honour annually in suitable fashion. Normally local towns co-ordinate these public events, so you can go to all of them if you want !

All festivals are family friendly affairs, where even the smallest of children can be seen running around into the small hours.

Below are just a handful of some of the better known events which take place annually.