Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Sorrows

The feast of the co-patron of Bisceglie

Every year, around September 15th, Bisceglie celebrates the Blessed Virgin Mary of Sorrows, the city's co-patron alongside Saints Mauro, Sergio, and Pantaleone. It is one of the most deeply felt events in the local calendar: for a few days, the historic center of this coastal town in the Barletta-Andria-Trani province, Puglia, transforms into a vibrant space of devotion and popular celebration.

Faith and devotion

The religious heart of the festival is the veneration of the image and the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows. During the celebrations, the Co-Cathedral hosts masses and the solemn pontifical mass presided over by the Archbishop, while the painting of the Virgin is enthroned at the Teatro Garibaldi. The most intense moment is the procession of the statue, which slowly winds through the streets and squares of the historic center, accompanied by the faithful, the clergy, and the sounds of brass bands.

The civic celebration

Alongside the liturgical events, the feast is a great opportunity for the community to gather. The streets are adorned with luminarie (traditional light displays), brass band concerts—including those by the historic city band—resonate in the square, and there is no shortage of musical evenings, shows, and activities for all ages. Recent editions have even featured unique moments like a "Milonga under the stars" dedicated to tango in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II.

Fireworks over the sea

As per the best tradition of Puglian patronal feasts, the grand finale is the fireworks display: from the western pier, the fireworks reflect in the harbor waters, drawing locals and visitors to the waterfront for the final big night of celebration.

A shared tradition

The festival is organized by the Bisceglie Patronal Feast Committee in collaboration with the Cathedral Chapter and the Municipality of Bisceglie. It is a collective effort that renews a deep bond with the city's history, tradition, and faith every year, offering those visiting the Puglian Adriatic coast in September the chance to experience an authentic local festival.