Festival of Our Lady of the Bridge
The patronal festival of Policoro between faith, music, and tradition
About Our Lady of the Bridge
Policoro celebrates its Patron Saint
When May reaches its third weekend, Policoro — a vibrant city on the Lucanian Ionian coast, heir to ancient Heraclea — gathers around its Patron Saint, Our Lady of the Bridge. The patronal festival is one of the most cherished events of the year, capable of uniting intimate religious devotion with civil celebrations that fill squares and streets with music, lights, and people.
Religious Rites and Civil Celebrations
The program intertwines, over three days, the processions of the revered image of Our Lady through the town's streets, holy masses in the Mother Church, and moments of popular devotion. Accompanying the faithful are the notes of the musical bands, such as the historic band 'Città di Montalbano Jonico'. Alongside the rites, the civil part of the festival offers concerts, shows, the traditional illuminations that light up the center, and the unmissable fireworks that beautifully conclude the evenings.
A Shared Tradition
Organized by the festival committee with the support of the Municipality of Policoro, the Festival of Our Lady of the Bridge attracts residents and visitors from nearby towns in the Metapontino area, transforming into a grand community event. It is the perfect opportunity to discover the identity of a young city deeply connected to its roots, between the spirituality of Marian devotion and the joy of a public festival.
Our Lady of the Bridge — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the patronal festival of Policoro takes place on the weekend of May 15th, 16th, and 17th, according to the tradition of the third weekend in May. The religious program includes processions of the revered image of Our Lady of the Bridge through the town streets, accompanied by the band 'Città di Montalbano Jonico', along with holy masses in the Mother Church. The civil part of the celebrations features concerts, shows, illuminations, and fireworks.
Programme Our Lady of the Bridge 2026
Friday, May 15th — 5:30 PM: procession through the town streets accompanied by the band 'Città di Montalbano Jonico', with return and holy mass in the Mother Church.
Saturday, May 16th — Religious rites with procession from the Mother Church through the city center; in the evening, civil celebrations with music and shows.
Sunday, May 17th — Procession along the streets not covered the previous day; civil celebrations with concerts, concluded by fireworks and illuminations.
The full religious and civil program, with times and guests, is distributed in official posters and on the festival committee's channels.
Highlights Our Lady of the Bridge 2026
Prices Our Lady of the Bridge 2026
Practical information — Our Lady of the Bridge
How to get there: Policoro is reached via the SS 106 Jonica; Policoro-Tursi station is on the Ionian railway line. Celebrations take place in the city center and the Mother Church.
Admission: processions, concerts, and shows are free and open to all.
Accommodation: wide range of accommodation along the Ionian coast and in Policoro Lido, particularly lively in spring.
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