Madonna dell'Arcona Patronal Feast

The 2025 edition of the Madonna dell'Arcona Feast marked an important milestone for Castrignano de' Greci: 300 years of devotion to the town's patron saint, whose cult dates back to the early decades of the 18th century, when the small church that still houses the venerated Byzantine image of the Virgin and Child was built.

As per tradition, the festivities took place in the days following Easter, with the procession of the sacred image along the streets of the center, accompanied by the faithful. The secular festival enlivened the town with illuminations, brass band concerts, and concluding fireworks, attracting residents and visitors from neighboring towns in the province of Lecce.

The tercentenary represented an opportunity to rediscover the Griko roots and the history of the Castrignano devotion, a heritage of faith and popular tradition that continues to unite the entire community.

Structure of the 2025 festivities

The festival was organized, according to custom, over two days starting from the Thursday after Easter:

• Religious celebrations in the Madonna dell'Arcona church, with the solemnity in honor of the patron saint;
• Procession of the sacred image along the streets of the historic center;
• Artistic illuminations in the town;
• Brass band concerts and music in the squares;
• Fireworks to conclude the festival.

The edition also celebrated 300 years of devotion to the Madonna dell'Arcona.