La Scamiciata

One of the greatest historical re-enactments in Puglia

La Scamiciata is the signature event of the Giugno Fasanese, a calendar of festivities that animates Fasano, in the province of Brindisi, every year. Re-established in 1978 by the Comitato Giugno Fasanese, the re-enactment attracts thousands of visitors and hundreds of participants, standing out as one of the most impressive and heartfelt costumed events in the entire region.

The history: the victory of 1678

The event commemorates a real historical episode: in 1678, the people of Fasano, caught by surprise and unprepared for defense, managed to repel an assault by Saracen pirates. According to tradition, handed down by a period plaque and the writings of Sampietro and the Cabrei, the victory was achieved 'with the powerful help of the Patron Saints of the Land.' This gave rise to the popular name scamiciati (the 'shirtless ones'), referring to the fighters who, lacking armor and wearing only their shirts, threw themselves into the fray to defend the city. Devotion to the Madonna del Pozzo of Pozzo Faceto, the protector of Fasano, remains the religious thread of the entire festival.

The historical pageant

The highlight is the grand historical pageant that winds through the streets of the center to the central Piazza Ciaia. Ladies and knights in sumptuous Baroque attire, men-at-arms, mounted Knights of Malta, festive commoners, and the key figures of the event parade by: Lieutenant Fra' Zurla da Crema, the Maltese Bailiff Fra' Brancaccio, the Turkish leader with his retinue, and the victorious scamiciati on the boat of triumph. The procession culminates with the handing over of the city keys and the sword to the Patron Saints.

Mediterranean music and tradition

At the end of the parades, Piazza Ciaia transforms into a stage for the international folk music festival 'Ritmi e Suoni dal Mediterraneo', featuring groups performing songs and dances from the Puglian, Southern Italian, and Mediterranean traditions. It is the popular crowning of a festival that blends historical memory, faith, and local culture.

An event by the Municipality of Fasano

La Scamiciata is organized by the Comitato Giugno Fasanese with the support of the Municipality of Fasano and is part of the city's summer program. Participation in all events is free and open to the public, in an atmosphere of great popular involvement that makes the re-enactment an unmissable appointment for those visiting the Province of Brindisi and Puglia in June.