Patronal Feast of Saint George the Martyr and the Chariot Race (Carrese)

The identity-defining feast of Chieuti

The Patronal Feast of Saint George the Martyr is the most cherished event in the calendar of Chieuti, a small town in the province of Foggia, in the far north of Puglia, bordering Molise. Every year, between late April and early May, the village gathers around its patron saint in a celebration that combines religious devotion with one of the most spectacular folk traditions in the Capitanata region: the Chariot Race, also known as the Carrese or the Palio of Saint George.

The Chariot Race: the Carrese

The Carrese is an ancient and vibrant competition. Four large wooden chariots, decorated with laurel branches and each pulled by a pair of oxen, are raced along a four-kilometer route that climbs from the countryside near Masseria Giumentareggia to the parvis of the Church of Saint George the Martyr in the historic center. Flanking the oxen are the riders, who urge the animals on in an adrenaline-fueled race followed by thousands of spectators lining the track. The winning chariot earns the honor of carrying the saint's statue during the procession.

The four competing districts

The challenge features the town's historic districts, known as Partiti, where membership is passed down from generation to generation. The four chariots vying for victory are Collefinocchio San Vito, Collefinocchio Vaccareccia, Cittadella, and Giovanissimi. The starting order is determined on the morning of the race with the drawing of the cartella, a moment of great anticipation.

The days of the feast

The celebrations span several days. The arrival of the animals in town and their placement in the district stables kick off the rites; on the day of the race, at dawn, a Eucharistic Celebration is held for the drivers and riders, followed by the draw, the blessing of the chariots, and finally the race in the afternoon. On the patron saint's day, the statue of Saint George is carried in procession through the village streets by the winning drivers, who wear the traditional red cap adorned with the ribbon color of their district.

An Arbëreshë village

Chieuti is one of the Arbëreshë communities of Puglia, founded by Albanian refugees who arrived in Italy starting in the 15th century and have preserved their language, rites, and memory of their origins. The Feast of Saint George is thus a powerful symbol of identity, where the community reaffirms its bond with its history and the land of Capitanata.

Chieuti and the Capitanata

Situated between the hills sloping toward the Adriatic and the mouth of the Fortore river, Chieuti offers visitors the authentic atmosphere of a Tavoliere delle Puglie village. The patronal feast is the ideal occasion to discover this lesser-known corner of the region, characterized by genuine flavors, rural hospitality, and a tradition that stands the test of time.