Annunziata Festival

The 2025 edition of the Annunziata Festival in San Giovanni Rotondo was held on April 5 and 6, following the postponement from the original dates of March 29-30 due to adverse weather forecasts. The event confirmed the success of the revived tradition, attracting residents, pilgrims, and visitors to the Matine area.

The Annunziata Walk, which started from Piazza Padre Pio, saw over 300 participants walk to the Annunziata Chapel through the ancient olive groves of the Valle Grande. Alongside moments of faith—Holy Mass and the procession—the Slow Food Earth Market took place with zero-mile products, as well as workshops on Gargano biodiversity and the Mediterranean diet, traditional games (sack races, tug-of-war, greasy pole), the lighting of the large bonfire, and folk performances. The musical finale featured the "Napolitudine" concert by Sal Esposito.

Saturday, April 5, 2025

• 15:30 — Annunziata Walk: departure from Piazza Padre Pio towards the Annunziata Chapel in the Matine area (a route of several kilometers through mule tracks and olive groves)
• Celebration of Holy Mass at the Annunziata Church
• Evening of folk music with the folk group "Li Spruvvist"

Sunday, April 6, 2025

• Guided walk in the ancient olive groves and along the mule tracks of the Valle Grande
• Earth Market (Slow Food): zero-mile products — extra virgin olive oil, cheeses and ricotta, bread, flours and grains, local meats, Mandorla Bianca of the Gargano
• Workshops on Gargano biodiversity and the Mediterranean diet, with tastings
• Holy Mass and procession
• Traditional games: sack races, tug-of-war, greasy pole, donkey races
• Lighting of the large bonfire with olive tree prunings
• Final concert "Napolitudine" by Sal Esposito and DJ set

Free shuttle service active on both days between the town center and the Matine area.