Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel
The May festival of the patron saint of Terlizzi, between the Chiesetta della Natività and the ancient pilgrimage to the Gargano
About May Saint Michael
The May festival of the patron saint of Terlizzi
In the heart of spring, from May 5th to 8th, the town of Terlizzi, in the province of Bari and the Metropolitan City of Puglia, gathers around its patron saint Saint Michael the Archangel for a festival with an intimate and deeply popular character. Unlike the autumn solemnity, this May recurrence stems from the memory of the ancient penitential pilgrimage that the people of Terlizzi used to make to the Holy Grotto of Monte Sant'Angelo on the Gargano, the heart of the Michaelic cult in Puglia.
The Chiesetta della Natività, the "Chisiòdd"
The focal point of the festivities is the small Chiesetta della Natività, affectionately called "Chisiòdd" by the locals, which stands on Via Massimo D'Azeglio. For centuries, this place was the gathering point for the faithful before setting off on the journey toward the Gargano sanctuary: here, people would gather, sing, and pray before the long devotional march. May 8th, the culminating day of the festival, commemorates the return of the pilgrims from the Holy Grotto.
The tradition of the Feather
Among the most evocative rites is the Festa della Piuma (Feast of the Feather), linked to a popular tale according to which a supernatural white feather fell onto a parchment to be signed, a sign of the Archangel's divine approval. Hence the custom of devotees carrying stones on their pilgrimage as a sign of penance, only to return "light as feathers": a symbolic gesture that still accompanies the dressing of the cart today, a living memory of the ancient path of faith.
Four days between faith and community
The program alternates between liturgical and civil moments: the three-day preparation with the Holy Rosary and Holy Masses presided over by various priests and bishops of the Diocese of Molfetta-Ruvo-Giovinazzo-Terlizzi, the tour of the "V.G. Millico" town band and the "Amici della Musica" folk band through the streets of the center, cultural conversations on the Michaelic cult, the solemn procession with the effigy of the Saint, and the traditional fireworks that close the festival. An event organized by the Pro Loco UNPLI Terlizzi together with the city parishes, the confraternities, the Association for the Chiesetta della Natività, and the Maria SS. di Sovereto Patronal Feast Committee, with the patronage of the Municipality of Terlizzi.
May Saint Michael — edition 2026
The 2026 edition renewed the devotion of the people of Terlizzi to their patron saint with four days of celebrations, organized by the Pro Loco of Terlizzi together with the parishes, the confraternities, and the Maria SS. di Sovereto 2026 Patronal Feast Committee. The triduum, animated in the Chiesetta della Natività by various celebrants of the Diocese of Molfetta-Ruvo-Giovinazzo-Terlizzi, prepared for the solemnity of May 8th, which culminated in the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Monsignor Domenico Basile and the processional translation of the Saint's effigy through the city streets.
Programme May Saint Michael 2026
Tuesday, May 5th
- 18:30 — Holy Rosary at the Chiesetta della Natività (Via M. D'Azeglio, 9)
- 19:00 — Holy Mass presided over by Father Roberto De Bartolo
Wednesday, May 6th
- 18:30 — Holy Rosary at the Chiesetta della Natività
- 19:00 — Holy Mass presided over by Monsignor Felice di Molfetta
Thursday, May 7th
- 17:00 — Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and tour by the "Amici della Musica" band
- 18:30 — Holy Rosary and Eucharistic Blessing
- 19:00 — Holy Mass presided over by Father Fabio Tricarico
- 19:30 — Presentation of the "Le Vie di San Michele" association at the Co-Cathedral
Friday, May 8th — Main Feast Day
- 8:00 — Holy Mass presided over by Father Fabio Tangari
- 10:00 — Talk: "From the Chiesetta della Natività to the Gargano: the Michaelic pilgrimage", by Dr. Vito Bernardi
- 12:00 — Supplication to the Madonna of Pompeii
- 17:00 — The "V.G. Millico" band parades through the city streets
- 18:00 — Holy Rosary and translation of the effigy towards the Church of the SS. Medici
- 19:00 — Solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Monsignor Domenico Basile, with the singing of the Te Deum
- Following — Processional translation of the effigy along Via Piave, Viale Roma, and Via Massimo D'Azeglio
- Conclusion — Fireworks display
Highlights May Saint Michael 2026
Prices May Saint Michael 2026
Practical information — May Saint Michael
Where
The center of the festivities is the Chiesetta della Natività at Via Massimo D'Azeglio 9, in Terlizzi (BA). The celebrations also involve the Co-Cathedral of Saint Michael the Archangel and the Church of the SS. Medici, with processions along Via Piave, Viale Roma, and Via Massimo D'Azeglio.
When
From May 5th to 8th. The main day is May 8th, with the solemn evening Eucharistic celebration and the concluding fireworks.
Admission
All religious and civil events are free and open to the public and pilgrims.
How to get there
Terlizzi is located in the Bari hinterland, well connected to Bari and Molfetta via the SS 98 road and the Bari-Nord railway. The historic center is reachable on foot from the main city parking lots.
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Where does it take place — May Saint Michael
Chiesetta della Natività
Via Massimo D'Azeglio 9, 70038 Terlizzi