If you’re wondering which part of Italy to visit during the Easter celebrations, consider heading to Puglia. Although it may not be as popular as Naples or Sicily, Puglia has just as much—if not more—to offer in terms of celebrations and religious rites. With its breathtaking nature and numerous picturesque towns, this region provides one of the most authentic experiences of traditional Easter festivities.
EASTER CELEBRATIONS
TARANTO – EASTER IN PUGLIA
7 aprile 2023
•
EASTER IN PUGLIA
Procession of Our Lady of Sorrows – Church of St. Domenico Maggiore / h 0.01 a.m.
The Procession of the Blessed Virgin of Sorrows starts at midnight between Holy Thursday and Good Friday from the Church of St. Domenico Maggiore and lasts approximately 14 hours.
Procession of the Mysteries – Church of Carmine / h 5.00 p.m.
This procession takes place on the afternoon of Good Friday, departing from the Church of Carmine. It carries statues symbolizing the Passion of Christ and passes through Borgo Nuovo, lasting about 15 hours.
Salento: The Lent Festival
If you’re looking for interesting traditions while spending your holidays in Puglia, head straight to a small village in Salento to witness “La Quaremma” (Lent). After the carnival, a puppet is hung on balconies and terraces throughout the town. It represents an old woman holding an orange, which is then pierced by seven feathers, symbolizing the seven weeks of Lent. Each week, locals remove a feather, and on Easter Sunday, the puppet is burned on a pole, symbolizing the Resurrection.
The town also offers traditional Easter sweets, such as the delicious ring-shaped cookies called “scarcella”, often decorated with colored sugar.
MOLFETTA
April 7, 2023
- Procession of the Five Mysteries – Church of St. Stephen / h 3.30 a.m.
The Procession of the Five Mysteries, led by the members of the Archconfraternity of St. Stephen, is the oldest religious event in the town. The solemn rite begins at 3:30 a.m. from the churchyard of St. Stephen’s Church. The five statues, dating back to the second half of the 1500s and created by an unknown artist, represent:
- Christ praying in the Garden of Olives
- Christ tied to the column
- Ecce Homo
- Christ carrying the cross to Calvary
- The Dead Christ
The statues are carried slowly through the town’s streets to the sound of funeral marches.
April 8, 2023
- Procession of Our Lady of Mercy – Church of Purgatory / h 11.15 a.m.
The procession is led by twenty wooden crosses, the oldest dating back to 1850, carried by the so-called “crociferi”. These crosses lead the parade of statues through the town center, symbolizing the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ. The final statue, depicting the Sorrowful Virgin, wears a black satin robe and a mantle embroidered with golden threads and stars.
SAN MARCO – APRIL 7
Procession of the Fracchie of San Marco
In San Marco in Lamis, near the Gargano, a breathtaking religious rite takes place on Good Friday evening: the Procession of the Fracchie. This event attracts thousands of visitors from Italy and abroad, drawn by its deep religious mysticism.
The fracchie are enormous torches of various sizes, the largest reaching up to 10-15 meters in length and 2 meters in diameter. A log, split in half, is filled with branches and wood chips until it forms a conical bonfire mounted on iron carts. These torches illuminate the path of the Virgin Mary as she searches for Jesus.
The origins of this tradition date back to the early 1700s when the Church of Our Lady of Sorrows was built outside the town walls. To light the way for the Virgin’s journey to reach Jesus’ body, the faithful decided to set these torches ablaze.
EASTER TRADITIONS IN OTHER TOWNS
- Maglie, Lecce: Hosts the Fiera dei Campanelli (Bell Fair) with Easter markets on the Friday before Palm Sunday.
- Tuglie, Sannicola, Parabita, Alezio, Gallipoli: Confraternities lead the Good Friday Procession carrying the statue of Jesus on the cross.
- Casarano: Famous for the tradition of “Lu Santu Lazzaru”, where folk music groups perform traditional songs in exchange for food.
- Galatina: Celebrates St. Lazarus with the “Cuccagna”, a fun game played in the town square.
Easter is a deeply significant event in Salento, and every town in the province of Lecce celebrates it in a traditional way passed down through generations.
EASTER MONDAY IN PUGLIA
Once Easter Week has ended, another event awaits you: Easter Monday (Pasquetta). Traditionally, the Monday after Easter is spent with friends. In Puglia, younger people typically head to forests or pine groves for a picnic or barbecue, while others prefer the beach, if the weather allows, to celebrate with a seaside gathering.
TOP PLACES TO VISIT DURING EASTER HOLIDAYS IN SALENTO
The Salento Peninsula offers a wide variety of landscapes and attractions. Easter holidays provide the perfect opportunity to explore its historical towns, including:
- Lecce
- Gallipoli
- Otranto
- Santa Maria di Leuca
EASTER AND EASTER MONDAY IN SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA, PUGLIA
If you want to experience the traditional Easter celebrations while also enjoying mild weather and a festive atmosphere, Santa Maria di Leuca is a must-visit. This town is rich in history, art, and traditions, but it also boasts stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of restaurants and bars where you can celebrate with family and friends.
Easter Monday Boat Trip – EASTER IN PUGLIA
For a unique way to spend your day, set out on a boat excursion to explore the stunning marine caves of Santa Maria di Leuca. Choose between:
- Sunset aperitif cruises with music and drinks
- Daytime excursions to bask in the sun and relax on the waves
SUNSET APERITIF IN SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
Just steps away from the boat excursion departure point, you’ll find one of Santa Maria di Leuca’s most iconic bars: Bar del Porto. This historic spot is the perfect place to enjoy cocktails with live music, from aperitivo to late evening.
Bar del Porto is also known for its:
- Seaside breakfasts
- Quick lunches, including the famous Salento puccia (a traditional stuffed sandwich)
- Assorted panini, fresh salads, and local street food
Easter in Puglia is an unforgettable experience filled with tradition, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious food—an ideal destination for a unique holiday.
