Why August? Because this is a beautiful moment with a mild climate and many new activities to be carried out outdoors such as festivals and patronal celebrations. In July with the assault of the Bruna cart in Matera, in August with the feasts of San Rocco in Pisticci and the famous historical procession of San Bernardino in Bernalda. Enjoy your time learning things you didn’t know about our cultural traditions! We think you’ll agree that the cultural offerings are impressive and intriguing. Not sure where to start? Contact our team and we will direct you!
Furthermore, on Corso Umberto you will find many bars and small clubs where live music is not lacking until late at night.
In August there are other events in the surrounding area
“A NIGHT’S DREAM… IN THAT COUNTRY” – COLOBRARO (AUGUST)
Colobraro is called, in a superstitious rather than derogatory way, “That country”. This is due to the presumed unmentionability of the word “Colobraro” due to the superstitious belief that the mere evocation of the name brings bad luck. On the basis of these beliefs, the event “A night’s dream… In that country” was born, a theatrical journey through the streets and the characteristic squares of the center that dominates the Sinni valley, in which anthropology marries the theater , magic and food and wine, bonding to the suggestions of a unique landscape.
Through some of the most evocative rituals and myths of Basilicata, Borgo San Gaetano takes you on a journey to discover the true Lucan soul. The events follow one another according to the rituals dictated by the calendar, revealing aspects and peculiarities that can only be found in this land of enchantments and memories. You are invited to be the protagonists of ancestral celebrations and festivals, discovering stories handed down from generation to generation.
In addition, there are also historical exhibitions and many other activities throughout the year.
THE NIGHT OF THE CUCIBOCCAS OF MONTESCAGLIOSO (5 JANUARY)
The mysterious protagonists of the ritual circulate through the alleys of the center wearing a dark cloak, a hat and a fake hemp beard. In their hand they carry a large needle with which they threaten to sew the mouths of children who approach curiously. The mysterious rite is repeated every year at the end of the Christmas holidays and is a sort of initiation for children to overcome fear.
MAY OF ACCEPTANCE (FROM 23 APRIL TO 18 JUNE)
After a long preparation, the tallest, thickest and straightest Turkey oak in the Montepiano wood is cut. After 8 days, it is ready to begin its journey towards the heart of Accettura where it will be raised and subsequently scaled by the “maggiaioli”, to then be demolished.
THE PARADE OF THE TURKS IN POTENZA (29/30 MAY)
The participants in the historical procession, in period costume, bring back to life from time immemorial the legendary event dating back to 1111, when a miracle of San Gerardo allowed the inhabitants of Potenza to repel the Turkish attack.
THE FESTIVAL OF THE MADONNA DELLA BRUNA IN MATERA (2 JULY)
The festival in honor of the patroness of the city of Matera takes place in a suggestive way: during the procession, the popular soul is exalted in mass jubilation and the cart accompanying the statue of the Madonna, the result of months-long craftsmanship, is attacked it’s destroyed.
THE LIVING NATIVITY SCENE IN THE SASSI OF MATERA (BETWEEN CHRISTMAS AND EPIPHANY)
In the splendid scenery of the Sassi, the living nativity scene of Matera allows you to become an integral part of the itinerary. In fact, each visitor has the opportunity to become a “visit-Actor”, i.e. to wear the role of a figure.
THE PATRON FESTIVAL OF SAN BERNARDINO (FROM 7 TO 27 AUGUST)
One of the most exciting festivals in Basilicata is the patronal feast of Bernalda. United by devotion to the Patron Saint, the devotees begin the festivities, including religious observance, historical re-enactment and entertainment.
For detailed information on the programme: www.festadisanbernardino.it
THE WORLD OF FEDERICO II IN LAGOPESOLE (ALL YEAR ROUND)
The castle of Lagopesole, Frederick’s place par excellence, welcomes visitors to lead them into the world of Frederick II, the narrating museum which, through modern technologies and innovative languages combined with historical research, wants to revive the myth of the Stupor Mundi.
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