Annunziata Festival

A tradition reborn

The Annunziata Festival is a hallmark celebration of San Giovanni Rotondo, in the province of Foggia, deep in the heart of the Apulian Gargano. For decades, the community gathered every spring in the picturesque Matine area, at the foot of the mountain, around the small Annunziata Chapel immersed in ancient olive groves. The tradition was interrupted in the mid-eighties, but thanks to the efforts of the Annunziata Festival Committee, the Municipality, and the Slow Food network, the festival has been brought back to life after nearly forty years, reconnecting with the region's rural heritage.

Faith and pilgrimage

The most poignant moment is the Annunziata Walk, a pilgrimage on foot that starts from Piazza Padre Pio and reaches the countryside chapel by crossing mule tracks, olive groves, and the trails of the Valle Grande. At the end of the walk, Holy Mass is celebrated, and on the final day, the traditional procession takes place—the religious heart of a festival that unites spirituality with a deep sense of belonging to the rural landscape of the Gargano.

Flavors, nature, and folklore

Alongside the religious dimension, the festival celebrates the products and wisdom of the land. The Slow Food Earth Market offers seasonal, zero-mile products: extra virgin olive oil, cheeses and ricotta, bread, ancient grains and flours, local meats, and the famous Mandorla Bianca (White Almond) of the Gargano. There are also workshops dedicated to Gargano biodiversity and the Mediterranean diet, guided walks among the ancient olive trees, traditional games (sack races, tug-of-war, greasy pole, donkey races), and folk performances with traditional music. In the evening, the atmosphere lights up with a large bonfire fueled by olive tree prunings, followed by concerts and live music.

A widespread and free event

The event, with free admission, is designed as a community celebration open to residents, pilgrims, and visitors alike. A free shuttle service connects the town center of San Giovanni Rotondo with the Matine area, allowing everyone to easily reach the Annunziata Chapel and enjoy a day immersed in the traditions, faith, and nature of the Gargano.