La Mattra di San Giuseppe
The tradition of the banquet tables and the March 19th procession in Guagnano
About La Mattra di San Giuseppe
La Mattra di San Giuseppe: faith and banquet tables in Guagnano
In the town of Guagnano, a small center in the Province of Lecce nestled in the lands of Negroamaro wine, March 19th is a date anticipated all year long. On the occasion of the feast of Saint Joseph, patron saint of fathers and workers, the families of Guagnano renew the ancient tradition of the Mattra, one of the most authentic expressions of popular culture in Salento and the entire Puglia region.
What is a "mattra"?
The name comes from the mattra, the wooden chest once used in homes to knead and proof bread dough. During this festival, the word refers to the large banquet table that each family sets up as a gesture of thanksgiving or to invoke the Saint's intercession. On pristine tablecloths, they arrange blessed bread, flowers, plants, decorations, and the finest dishes of the peasant tradition: pitta, vegetables, legumes, fish, and traditional sweets like zeppole di San Giuseppe.
A ritual of sharing and solidarity
The heart of the Mattra is not just abundance, but sharing: tradition dictates that the prepared food be offered to the poor and needy, in a gesture of charity rooted in devotion to Saint Joseph. It is this blend of faith, cuisine, and solidarity that makes the festival a defining moment for the entire community.
The procession of the mattre
The most evocative moment is the procession of the Mattra: in the afternoon, the banquet tables are carried in a procession through the streets of the historic center, accompanied by a brass band. The procession reaches the square where the blessing of the mattre takes place, followed by moments dedicated to the town's residents and families. The religious celebration, organized by the Parrocchia Santa Maria Assunta together with the Parish Festival Committee and under the patronage of the Municipality of Guagnano, accompanies the days with a triduum and holy masses.
Why attend
- Experience an authentic and deeply felt popular tradition of Salento
- Admire the richly decorated mattre along the town streets
- Witness the procession with the band and the blessing in the square
- Discover Salento's devotional gastronomy, from zeppole to pitta
- Embrace the values of solidarity and community that animate the festival
La Mattra di San Giuseppe is a free, open-air event, suitable for families and visitors who wish to discover an intimate and genuine side of inland Puglia, far from the most beaten paths.
La Mattra di San Giuseppe — edition 2026
La Mattra di San Giuseppe 2026 in Guagnano
The festival in honor of Saint Joseph was held in Guagnano from March 16 to 19, 2026. The three days of the triduum, from March 16 to 18, accompanied the community with the prayer of the Holy Rosary at 5:30 PM and Holy Mass at 6:00 PM at the Parrocchia Santa Maria Assunta.
On March 19, the Saint's day, the morning opened with a Eucharistic celebration. In the afternoon, the most anticipated moment took place: the procession of the Mattra through the streets of the historic center, with tables laden with bread, flowers, and traditional dishes. At 6:00 PM, the procession arrived in the square for the blessing of the mattre, while at 6:30 PM, a tribute was paid to the "first father of the year." The event was promoted by the Parrocchia Santa Maria Assunta together with the Parish Festival Committee, under the patronage of the Municipality of Guagnano.
Programme La Mattra di San Giuseppe 2026
Triduum (March 16-18, 2026)
- 5:30 PM - Holy Rosary
- 6:00 PM - Holy Mass
March 19, 2026 - Feast of Saint Joseph
- 9:00 AM - Eucharistic celebration
- Afternoon - Procession of the Mattra through the town streets with a brass band
- 6:00 PM - Arrival of the procession in the square and blessing of the mattre
- 6:30 PM - Tribute to the "first father of the year"
Highlights La Mattra di San Giuseppe 2026
- Procession of banquet tables accompanied by a brass band
- Blessing of the mattre in the square
- Preparatory triduum from March 16 to 18
- Tribute to the "first father of the year"
Prices La Mattra di San Giuseppe 2026
Practical information — La Mattra di San Giuseppe
How to get there
Guagnano is located in the Province of Lecce, in the northern part of Salento. By car, it can be reached via the SS7 ter and the provincial road network connecting Lecce, Salice Salentino, and Novoli. The nearest train station is in Lecce, served by Trenitalia lines, from where you can continue by car or local bus services.
When
The festival is centered around March 19th, the feast day of Saint Joseph, with a preparatory triduum in the preceding days and the procession of the Mattra on the afternoon of the 19th.
Admission
Participation is free and open to all. It is recommended to reach the historic center in the afternoon to witness the procession and the blessing of the mattre in the square.
Tips
Wear comfortable clothing to follow the procession on foot. In the surrounding area, you can taste Negroamaro wines and visit the local wineries of Guagnano.
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Where does it take place — La Mattra di San Giuseppe
Centro storico e Parrocchia Santa Maria Assunta