September 8, 2026 – September 17, 2026 · Contrada Santa Lucia, Monopoli (BA)
Experience the vibrant Festeggiamenti in onore di Santa Lucia, a grand celebration in Monopoli dedicated to Saint Lucia, virgin and martyr. This event offers a rich program blending religious devotion, civic entertainment, and sports. Highlights include solemn Eucharistic celebrations, captivating processions, dazzling fireworks displays, traditional hot air balloon launches, and the beloved Sagra del Panzerotto. You'll also find sports tournaments and live music, featuring a tribute band to the iconic Italian artists 883 and Max Pezzali.
Indulge in the Sagra del Panzerotto, a dedicated food festival within the event, where you can savor freshly made panzerotti – delicious fried turnovers filled with various savory ingredients, a quintessential Apulian street food experience.
The festivities kick off on Tuesday, September 8th, with a foosball tournament at 8:30 PM. Wednesday, September 9th, brings a 'scopa' card game tournament for all ages at 8:30 PM. Thursday, September 10th, starts with a festive 'Diana' at 8:00 AM, followed by religious services and the enthronement of the Santa Lucia painting at 7:30 PM in the piazza opposite the post office. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks show by Ditta Maxima Fireworks di Raffaele Manzari - Bitonto at 8:00 PM. Friday, September 11th, features more religious services. Saturday, September 12th, is packed with activities: 'Olimpiadi in Contrada' for kids (6-13 years) at 3:30 PM, running races (4-6 years) at 5:30 PM, followed by religious services. At 8:00 PM, awards are given for sports competitions. The evening continues with a hot air balloon launch by Ditta "Palloni Aerostatici di Pasquale Liuzzi" Putignano at 9:00 PM, alongside the Sagra del Panzerotto, and a comedy show "AAA Cercasi Parroco" by Officina del Sorriso. Sunday, September 13th, begins with 'Diana' at 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM by Ditta Fire Magic Event di Luca Benedetti. A solemn Eucharistic Celebration led by S.E. Mons. Giuseppe Favale, Bishop of the Diocese Conversano-Monopoli, takes place at 10:00 AM. Another Eucharistic Celebration is at 6:00 PM, followed by a grand procession of the Simulacro and Reliquia di Santa Lucia through the streets, animated by the Banda dei Giubileo at 7:00 PM. A second hot air balloon launch by Ditta "Palloni Aerostatici di Pasquale Liuzzi" Putignano is at 8:00 PM, with the Sagra del Panzerotto returning at 9:00 PM, accompanied by an 883 & Max Pezzali Tribute Band. The grand finale is a fireworks display by Ditta Fire Magic Event di Luca Benedetti at 11:00 PM. The celebrations conclude on Thursday, September 17th, with the return procession of the Santa Lucia painting at 6:30 PM, a thanksgiving Eucharistic Celebration at 7:00 PM, and a moment of fraternal conviviality at 8:00 PM.