Feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian and Saint Expeditus

A patronal festival in the heart of Polignano a Mare

The Feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian and Saint Expeditus is the most anticipated devotional event of the summer in Polignano a Mare, a famous village perched on the cliffs of the Adriatic in the Metropolitan City of Bari, Apulia. Organized by the Parish of the Medici Saints Cosmas and Damian, the festival weaves together deep popular devotion toward the two healing saints—physicians and martyrs—and Saint Expeditus, creating a blend of religious rites and civic celebrations that involves the entire town.

The Medici Saints, protectors of the sick

The cult of the Medici Saints Cosmas and Damian is widespread throughout Apulia. As brothers and physicians, tradition holds that they treated the sick without asking for payment, which is why they are venerated as patrons of health and protectors of those who suffer. In Polignano, their feast draws locals and emigrants back home every year, alongside numerous visitors attracted by the atmosphere of the flag-adorned and illuminated historic center.

Three days of celebrations

The festival traditionally spans three days in mid-August, alternating between liturgical moments and popular events:

• Holy Masses and the solemn procession with the statues of the saints carried on shoulders through the narrow streets of the old town, among the white houses overlooking the Adriatic.
• Brass band concerts: Renowned Apulian marching bands parade through the town streets and perform in the square, providing the festival with its unmistakable soundtrack.
• Artistic illuminations that light up the squares and alleys, creating a scenic backdrop for the evenings.
• The fireworks display at midnight on the Lungomare Domenico Modugno, with the pyrotechnics reflecting off the sea and the caves—the most spectacular climax of the festival.

The charm of Polignano

Experiencing the patronal festival in Polignano a Mare also means discovering one of the most photographed villages in Italy: the old town perched on the cliff, the statue of Domenico Modugno overlooking the sea, and the caves and coves that make this pearl of the Adriatic unique. During the festival days, the historic center comes alive until late at night with devotion, music, and typical Apulian conviviality.