Feast of the Most Holy Crucifix - Invention of the Holy Cross

A celebration of faith in the heart of the Ionian Puglia

The Feast of the Most Holy Crucifix, held on the anniversary of the Invention (or Finding) of the Holy Cross, is one of the most cherished events for the community of Monteiasi, a small town in the province of Taranto, just a few kilometers from the regional capital in Puglia. Celebrated on May 3rd, it is affectionately called by locals "lu Crucifissu piccinno" (the little Crucifix), or the "little feast," to distinguish it from the more solemn patronal festival on September 14th, "lu Crucifissu granne", which is linked to the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

The roots of a centuries-old devotion

The veneration of the Most Holy Crucifix in Monteiasi dates back to 1616, when the Jesuit Father Giulio Pignatari donated a wooden Crucifix to the community at the end of a popular mission aimed at deepening religious devotion. The mother church, built starting in 1615 and dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, eventually became the Sanctuary of the Most Holy Crucifix, guardian of the sacred image around which the town's religious identity has centered for centuries. Popular tradition recounts episodes of miraculous healings that strengthened the cult and established it as the town's true protector.

The triduum and the day of May 3rd

The festival is preceded by a preparatory triduum that spiritually readies the faithful with services and moments of reflection in the mother church. The highlight is the day of May 3rd, featuring a solemn Eucharistic concelebration and a procession that carries the statue of the Crucifix through the main streets of the town, accompanied by local confraternities and the entire community.

The secular side of the festival

Alongside the religious dimension, the festival preserves its traditional secular elements: a brass band concert, stunning artistic illuminations that light up the town's streets, and a fireworks display. These moments transform Monteiasi into a meeting place where faith intertwines with conviviality, the appeal of Puglian flavors, and a festive atmosphere that unites residents and returning emigrants alike.

Why experience it

The May Feast of the Most Holy Crucifix offers an authentic glimpse into the popular traditions of the Ionian Puglia, far from mass tourism circuits. It is the ideal opportunity to discover a village in the Taranto hinterland, breathe in the spirituality of a deeply rooted community, and witness rites passed down from generation to generation.