Immaculate Conception "Madonna Nostra" Festival and Puccia Festival

Saturday, December 6th

Opening of the festivities with the St. Nicholas Village dedicated to children, from 5:30 PM at the Immaculate Garden (next to the Church of the Immaculate Conception): arrival of St. Nicholas on horseback, distribution of gifts, games, magic, and entertainment, with a concert by La Combriccola.

Sunday, December 7th (Eve)

From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, in the church, distribution of the traditional blessed puccia. In the evening, in Piazza del Tempo, the first evening of the Puccia Festival starting at 7:30 PM (puccia filled on the spot, pittule, and local wine) and, at 8:30 PM, the grand concert by the Notte della Taranta Popular Orchestra.

Monday, December 8th (Day of the Immaculate Conception)

In the morning, a floral tribute at the Immaculate Column and at 9:45 AM the solemn procession through the town streets with the statue of the Madonna. At noon, the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Angelo Raffaele Panzetta. At 5:00 PM, the Omaggio dei Rioni historical pageant, a re-enactment of the discovery of the miraculous fresco. In the evening, the second night of the Puccia Festival from 7:30 PM, the fireworks display at 8:00 PM in Largo Immacolata, and at 8:30 PM, the grand finale with the Salento Video Show Party.

Saturday, December 6, 2025

• 5:30 PM — St. Nicholas Village at the Immaculate Garden: arrival of St. Nicholas on horseback, gifts for children, games, magic, and entertainment (EDC Circus Artist)
• Concert by La Combriccola

Sunday, December 7, 2025 (Eve)

• 10:00 AM-12:00 PM — Distribution of blessed puccia at the Church of the Immaculate Conception
• 7:30 PM — Puccia Festival in Piazza del Tempo (puccia with tuna and capers, pittule, local wine)
• 8:30 PM — Concert by the Notte della Taranta Popular Orchestra

Monday, December 8, 2025 (Immaculate Conception)

• 9:00 AM — Floral tribute at the Immaculate Column in Piazza A. Diaz and laurel wreath at the War Memorial
• 9:45 AM — Solemn procession through the town streets with the statue of the Madonna
• 12:00 PM — Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Angelo Raffaele Panzetta
• 5:00 PM — Omaggio dei Rioni historical pageant: re-enactment of the discovery of the Madonna's fresco
• 7:30 PM — Second evening of the Puccia Festival in Piazza del Tempo
• 8:00 PM — Fireworks display in Largo Immacolata
• 8:30 PM — Grand finale with Salento Video Show Party Live