Sagra · October 29, 2026 – November 2, 2026 · Orsara di Puglia (FG)
Fucacoste e Cocce Priatorje is an ancient tradition in Orsara di Puglia, Foggia, celebrated between late October and early November. During this evocative festival, blazing bonfires and intricately carved pumpkins illuminate the town, symbolically guiding the souls of the departed. The event draws numerous visitors eager to immerse themselves in this magical and ancient celebration, recognized as one of Italy's most fascinating fire rituals.
Get ready for a captivating experience at Fucacoste e Cocce Priatorje! The festivities kick off on Wednesday, October 29th, at 10:30 AM at I.C. Virgilio-Salandra - plesso di Orsara di Puglia, with a talk on "I fucacoste" by professors Michele LEPORE and Giuseppe ZURLO. On Thursday, October 30th, from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM, head to Centro Anziani Via G. Di Vittorio for a pumpkin carving workshop (reservations required at 347.2355349). Friday, October 31st, is packed with activities: pumpkin carving workshops continue at Centro Anziani Via G. Di Vittorio from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and again from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM. At 4:00 PM, explore the historic center with a backstage look at "Le vie delle zucche d'autunno." Evening events include the Holy Rosary at 6:00 PM at Chiesa San Nicola di Bari, a videomapping show "L'Abbazia Sant'Angelo" at Abbazia Sant'Angelo at 6:00 PM, and Solemn Holy Mass at Chiesa San Nicola di Bari at 6:30 PM. Catch screenings of the film "Ninetta" by Antonio Belluscio at Palazzo De Gregorio at 7:00 PM (first showing) and 8:30 PM (second showing) – reservations are mandatory for both at 353.3998020. For a thrilling end to the night, join the Ghosttour - Seconda edizione at 9:30 PM, departing from Infopoint in via Mentana, 1, for a guided night tour discovering Orsara di Puglia's stories, mysteries, and secrets (reservations required at 353.3998020). Saturday, November 1st, offers a full day of exploration and music. Start with a guided tour of Abbazia Sant'Angelo at 10:00 AM from Largo San Michele (reservations required at 353.3998020). Pumpkin carving workshops are available at Centro anziani from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The "Le vie delle zucche d'autunno" path opens at 10:30 AM in the historic center, starting from Via Cavour. Enjoy itinerant musical performances throughout the day: FolkUria at 6:00 PM in the historic center, Holladura street band at 10:30 AM in the urban center, and Virtuosi della tarantella at 5:00 PM in the urban center. Attend Holy Mass and the blessing of pumpkins and candles at Chiesa San Nicola di Bari at 11:00 AM. A guided tour of the village departs from Largo San Michele at 3:30 PM (reservations required at 353.3998020). The Holy Rosary is at 6:00 PM at Chiesa San Nicola di Bari. Don't miss the "La zucca più bella" competition at Fontana dell'Angelo from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The Rito del Lucernario and Second Vespers celebration take place at Chiesa San Nicola di Bari at 6:30 PM, followed by the lighting of the bonfire by the Confraternita di Santa Maria delle Grazie. More music with Brass Orkestar Ziganama at 7:00 PM in the urban center and Ars Nova at 9:30 PM at Largo san Domenico. The night culminates with the Processione della Congrega dei Morti departing from Chiesa San Nicola di Bari at 11:30 PM, followed by Holy Mass for all the faithful departed at Chiesa San Nicola di Bari at midnight. On Sunday, November 2nd, embark on a "Viaggio nella memoria" guided tour, departing at 10:00 AM from Via Serg. Giulio Volpe (Porta Greci).