October 3, 2026 – October 4, 2026 · Castellana Grotte (BA)
Join us for the solemn celebrations honoring San Francesco d'Assisi, Italy's patron saint, marking 800 years since his passing. This event features a rich religious program with novenas, Eucharistic celebrations, and torchlight processions, alongside a vibrant civil program including band concerts, spectacular fireworks, and a dedicated food area with a mini amusement park. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the figure of the Saint with music, tradition, and delicious local gastronomy.
📅 From September 25th to October 2nd: • 6:15 PM: Franciscan Rosary • 7:00 PM: Eucharistic Celebration 📅 Sunday, September 27th: • 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 7:00 PM: Eucharistic Celebrations • 🍽️ Sweet Fair by the Franciscan Third Order (before and after Holy Masses) • 11:00 AM: Blessing of animals on the Sanctuary's parvis • 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM: "Lo Spirito di Assisi" - interreligious event 📅 Tuesday, September 29th: • 5:00 PM: Eucharistic Exposition • 5:30 PM: Franciscan Rosary and Eucharistic Blessing • 6:20 PM: Angelic Rosary, Litanies, and act of entrustment to San Michele • 7:00 PM: Eucharistic Celebration presided over by don Giuseppe Grassi 📅 Wednesday, September 30th: • 6:15 PM: Franciscan Rosary animated by the OFS fraternity of Castellana Grotte - Putignano • 7:00 PM: Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Dom Paolo Maria Gionta OSB • Torchlight procession on the Sanctuary's parvis 📅 Thursday, October 1st: • 6:15 PM: Franciscan Rosary animated by the OFS fraternity of Castellana Grotte - Putignano • 7:00 PM: Eucharistic Celebration presided over by M.R.P. fra Nicola Violante ofm • Torchlight procession on the Sanctuary's parvis 📅 Friday, October 2nd: • 6:15 PM: Franciscan Rosary animated by the OFS fraternity of Castellana Grotte - Putignano • 7:00 PM: Eucharistic Celebration presided over by don Sandro Ramirez • Torchlight procession on the Sanctuary's parvis THE MAIN FESTIVAL DAYS: 📅 Saturday, October 3rd: • 5:45 PM: Franciscan Rosary • 6:00 PM: Opening "Diana" fireworks display by "Firemagic Event" • 6:30 PM: Eucharistic Celebration presided over by S.E. Mons. Giuseppe Favale • 6:30 PM: Illumination of the festive lights by "PAULICELLI GIANFRANCO" • 7:30 PM: Celebration of the Blessed Transit of San Francesco presided over by S.E. Mons. Giuseppe Favale • Torchlight procession • 🎵 9:00 PM: "A TUTTO SWING Divertimento italiano" - Concert by Banda di Castellana Grotte APS & COLFISCHIOSENZA 📅 Sunday, October 4th: • 🎵 8:30 AM: Parade through the city streets by the Mottola band • 9:00 AM: Pyrotechnic "Diana" display • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Eucharistic Celebrations • 🎵 10:00 AM: Musical Matinée in the bandstand by the Historic Award-winning Gran Complesso Bandistico CITTÀ DI MOTTOLA "ORAZIO GENTILE" • 5:15 PM: Franciscan Rosary • 6:00 PM: Solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by fra Mimmo Lotito ofm • 📍 7:00 PM: Torchlight procession with the Image of the Saint (route: largo San Francesco d'Assisi, via Alberobello, strada privata, via Giorgio La Pira, via Alberobello, largo San Francesco d'Assisi) • 🎵 8:30 PM: Soirée in the bandstand by the Historic Award-winning Gran Complesso Bandistico CITTÀ DI MOTTOLA "O. GENTILE" • 11:00 PM: Fireworks display by "Firemagic Event" • 🎵 Following: "BOLERO D'AUTUNNO" - traditional Castellanese conclusion of the festival with the band • 🍽️ FOOD AREA & MINI LUNA PARK organized by the Municipality of Castellana Grotte