Festa Grande - Patronal Feast of Maria SS. Addolorata

The patronal feast of Mola di Bari

The Festa Grande is the most heartfelt and widely attended celebration in Mola di Bari, a town on the Adriatic coast in the province of Bari, Apulia. Dedicated to the patron saint Maria Santissima Addolorata, the festival traditionally takes place around the second Sunday of September and lasts about four days, transforming the historic center and the town squares into a grand stage for faith, music, and popular tradition.

Origins and history

With over two and a half centuries of history, the Festa Grande is rooted in the deep devotion of the local people toward the Virgin Addolorata. In 2025, the community celebrated its 291st edition, a testament to a continuity passed down through generations. The festival is not just a religious appointment, but a core identity event that draws many emigrants back to Mola di Bari, the so-called "molesi nel mondo".

The gala procession and the handing over of the keys

The heart of the festivities is the solemn gala procession, which winds through the city streets on Sunday morning. The parade is led by flag-wavers and accompanied by the municipal banner and those of neighboring towns. At the end of the procession, on the parvis of the Church of the Maddalena, the most evocative ritual takes place: the mayor symbolically hands over the keys of the city to the statue of the Madonna, ideally entrusting Mola di Bari to the protection of its patron saint.

'U Tammorr' and street music

The soundtrack of the Festa Grande is provided by the local street band, known as 'U Tammorr': a musical group that tirelessly travels through the city center playing traditional marches and tunes. Also characteristic is the presence of young girls dressed in black lace outfits, similar to those adorning the patron saint's statue, a sign of a devotion expressed through gestures and costumes.

Illuminations, concerts, and fireworks

True to the best tradition of Apulian patronal feasts, the streets of Mola di Bari are lit up with impressive artistic illuminations, while the bandstand hosts concerts by renowned musical ensembles. There is no shortage of evening musical shows, gastronomic events featuring local specialties, and grand fireworks displays that close the days of celebration overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

The 2026 edition

The dates and detailed program for the 2026 edition of the Festa Grande have not yet been officially announced. As per tradition, the festivities are expected to take place in September, around the second Sunday of the month. The full program, including processions, concerts, and shows, is usually published by the organizing committee and the Municipality of Mola di Bari in the weeks leading up to the event on the official social media channels.