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Festa di San Nicola - Bari 2024

April, 25 2023 ( Updated April, 26 2024)

Bari

Looking for an authentic festival to enjoy in Puglia? Head to Bari! 

 

The Festa di San Nicola is a religious festival that takes place in Bari, Italy, in honour of Saint Nicholas, the Patron Saint of the city. Saint Nicholas is a beloved figure in Bari, where his relics are kept in the Basilica di San Nicola. The festival celebrates his life and legacy with a range of religious and cultural events, including processions, Masses, and musical performances.  


The people of Bari celebrate the feast of Saint Nicholas twice a year, on December 6th and May 8th. December 6th marks the official start of the Christmas season. According to tradition, there is a pilgrimage to the Basilica, a celebratory mass, and a community breakfast featuring hot chocolate.


One of the highlights of the festival is the Procession of the Statue, which takes place on the evening of May 8th. A large statue of Saint Nicholas, with a richly embroidered cape and crown and followed by a band playing traditional music, is carried through the streets of Bari in a procession with priests, members of religious orders, and members of the public. The festival also features a range of cultural events, including concerts, exhibitions, and food festivals. Many of these events are held in the historic centre of Bari, where visitors can enjoy the city's rich history and architecture! 



About the area: Located in Puglia, a region of great historical and cultural importance with a rich tradition of art, music, and cuisine, Bari is one of the largest cities in Southern Italy.

Some of the most famous attractions in Bari include the Basilica of San Nicola, which houses the relics of Saint Nicholas (the inspiration for Santa Claus), the Castello Svevo (Swabian Castle), and the historic old town, known as Bari Vecchia. In Puglia, some popular destinations include the trulli (unique dry-stone huts with conical roofs) in Alberobello, the baroque architecture of Lecce, and the beaches of Salento. 

 

Puglia is also famous for its cuisine, which includes dishes such as orecchiette pasta, fresh seafood, and locally grown vegetables. Overall, Bari and Puglia are both beautiful and fascinating destinations that offer a taste of the unique history and culture of southern Italy. 


Event Details 

Name of the event: Festa di San Nicola  
Location: Bari 

Date: 7-9 May 2024 

More info: Bari Today 

 

Come to Bari, not just for the festival but for its beaches and true Apulian culture! 

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