ORIXÁ Annual Festival: Axé and Ancestry

A portal between heaven and earth in Sannicandro di Bari

In the heart of the Sannicandro di Bari countryside, in the province of Bari and just a few kilometers from the Apulian capital, the ORIXÁ Annual Festival: Axé and Ancestry stands as the most important celebration of the Orixa Ajé Ifá Temple, presented by its founders as the only temple dedicated to the Candomblé tradition in Italy. The organizers describe it as follows: "it is not just a festival, but a portal open between heaven and earth." A definition that perfectly captures the spirit of the event, blending popular festivity, cultural encounter, and spiritual ceremony.

What is Candomblé and the Orixá tradition

Candomblé is an Afro-Brazilian religion born from the meeting of West African Yoruba spirituality and the history of Afro-descendant communities in Brazil. At the heart of the cult are the Orixá, deities linked to the forces of nature and ancestors, celebrated through song, drums, dance, and colors. In Sannicandro di Bari, this tradition is preserved and passed down with respect for its roots, with the goal of sharing it not only in its liturgical dimension but also in its cultural, social, and folkloric aspects.

The priests and spiritual leadership

The spiritual direction of the temple is entrusted to Baba Ifaloba and Iya Osunsewa, priests recognized within the Yoruba tradition of Oyo. Their guidance leads participants through the ritual moments of the day, oracular divinations, and the purification and energy practices that characterize the temple's activities throughout the year.

What to expect during the festival

The day of celebration weaves together various languages of Afro-Brazilian and Yoruba culture:

• Traditional rituals and ceremonies dedicated to the Orixá and ancestors;
• Dances and music driven by drums, the beating heart of every Candomblé celebration;
• Cultural meetings and workshops to explore Afro-Brazilian spirituality and traditions;
• moments of sharing open to the curious, enthusiasts, and families.

The temple offers celebrations linked to the Orixá at different times of the year — including festivals dedicated to the Caboclos and Eré — and the annual festival represents its most heartfelt and well-attended event.

A unique event in the Apulian landscape

In a Puglia region rich in food festivals, patronal feasts, and Catholic traditions, the ORIXÁ Annual Festival brings a different and surprising voice to Sannicandro di Bari, capable of opening a window onto the world's spiritualities. It is an opportunity to discover Afro-Brazilian culture up close without leaving the province of Bari, in an atmosphere of hospitality and sharing. Admission is free.