In Italy there’s a big tradition to celebrate the saint who has the role of patron saint in a community. This public holiday varies from town to town, based on the saint celebrated. Depending to the budget, patronal festivals may run from one day to five days. They usually include religious processions but however, elements of local culture as well.
Usually, town members adorn the town streets with colorful decorations, lights and stands. Most patronal festivals feature traditional fairs including parades, artisans, street vendors, regional food stands, amusement rides, live entertainment and fireworks.
Until 40 years ago, this public holiday was time to get together and meet family or relatives who often lived in a different town or city. It was also a time for socialization through folkloristic events and popular games. It was therefore a manifestation of great spiritual and human value. Let’s say that as a celebration it responded to man’s desire and vital need to give space to spirituality and sociality, through manifestations of joy and jubilation, interrupting the monotony of everyday life and the worry of earning money.
Today, of course, it seems that other elements have taken over to leave the field to an almost exclusively commercial, social or folkloristic event, also losing its character as an occasion for meeting and dialogue between members of the same community.
In my home town, May 26th is the day when we celebrate San Fililppo Neri. The festival in honor of San Filippo was introduced in Gioia del Colle in 1703. Following a terrible earthquake in May 1731, which miraculously did not cause any damage to the city, the people of Gioia, grateful for the intercession of the Saint, proclaimed San Filippo Neri as Patron Saint.
Would you like to experience a local festival like that ? Book a tour in the last week of May to experience the main events in town and much more.