Calata dei Magi

The Calata dei Magi in Lizzano

The Calata dei Magi is one of the most anticipated events in the Christmas calendar of Lizzano, a town in the Salento region of Puglia. Every January 6th, on Epiphany, the historic center transforms into the stage for an ancient folk-religious rite that narrates and brings to life the Gospel account of the Adoration of the Christ Child by the Magi, who traveled to Bethlehem from the distant East.

A procession through the town

The heart of the day is the grand procession, which departs at 5:30 PM from the convent square and winds slowly through the village streets: Viale Convento, Via 24 Maggio, Viale Gramsci, Piazza Matteotti, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, Via Galilei, and Piazza 4 Novembre, finally concluding at the parvis of the Church of San Nicola. Along the route, costumed performers, living nativity scenes, and tableaux vivants accompany the Magi's journey toward the manger in an atmosphere suspended between devotion and popular theater.

Historical crafts, music, and tradition

The event is more than just a procession: the streets are lined with stations featuring historical crafts, brought to life by performers recreating ancient trades. There is no shortage of zampognari (traditional bagpipers), theatrical performances by the Lizzano Theater Laboratory, food and wine tastings of typical Christmas products, and a fireworks display to close the festivities. On the morning of January 6th, the Christmas Band Salicese already fills the streets with engaging musical performances.

Faith and community

The Calata dei Magi is promoted by the San Nicola Parish of Lizzano, led by Father Giuseppe Zito, with the collaboration of the Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary and local church groups. The festive Epiphany Mass is moved to 5:00 PM to allow the faithful to attend the arrival of the procession on the large church square. It is an event that unites the entire Lizzano community, passed down from generation to generation as one of the town's strongest identity markers.

A Salento landmark

As part of the rich tapestry of Puglian Epiphany traditions, the Calata dei Magi in Lizzano offers a precious opportunity to discover the charm of a small Salento village during the most magical time of the year. Visitors to the province of Taranto during the holidays will find an authentic, popular, and deeply rooted ritual that draws locals and travelers alike to the illuminated streets of the historic center.