Festival of the Holy Crucifix of Mercy

The 2025 Festival of the Holy Crucifix of Mercy was held in Galatone from May 1st to 4th, confirming its reputation as a major patronal feast in Salento. The spiritual program revolved around the Solemn Hour of Miracles on May 2nd, with the exposition of the Sacred Wood of the Cross and the grand evening procession, and the solemn Holy Mass on May 3rd presided over by Monsignor Fernando Filograna.

On the secular side, there was plenty of music: the "ti lu panieri" Flower Festival at Palazzo Marchesale, concerts by the Città di Aradeo, Taviano, Conversano, and Rutigliano bands, daytime and nighttime fireworks in Contrada Camene, the Salento Food Festival in Piazza San Sebastiano, and the Lyric Gala "Passione Lirica" in Piazza Costadura. A grand finale on May 4th featured a free concert by Enrico Ruggeri.

May 1st

• 7:30 PM — Holy Mass with blessing of the city (Piazza Costadura)
• "Armonie di Maggio" with the Kalonìa Choir and Centro Danskin Star

May 2nd

• 2:00 PM — Solemn Hour of Miracles with exposition of the Sacred Wood of the Cross
• 8:00 PM — Grand procession of the Holy Crucifix
• Bands Città di Aradeo and Città di Taviano

May 3rd

• 10:30 AM — Solemn Holy Mass presided over by Monsignor Fernando Filograna
• Bands Città di Conversano and Città di Fisciano
• 1:00 PM daytime pyrotechnic competition and 11:30 PM fireworks display (Contrada Camene)
• Salento Food Festival and Lyric Gala "Passione Lirica"

May 4th

• Brass band concert Città di Rutigliano
• 9:00 PM — Free concert by Enrico Ruggeri (Piazza San Sebastiano)