Patronal Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel

Pomarico Celebrates Saint Michael

Perched on a hill overlooking the badlands and the Basento valley, Pomarico is one of the most evocative villages in the province of Matera. Every year, in the first days of May, the town pauses to honor its patron saint, Saint Michael the Archangel, in what is considered one of the most beautiful and heartfelt festivals in all of Basilicata. Three days where faith, history, and tradition merge, attracting visitors from neighboring towns and beyond the region.

The Miracle of the Wheat and the Processions

The heart of the festival is the solemn procession of the revered image of Saint Michael the Archangel through the village streets, accompanied by musical bands. A particularly evocative moment is the re-enactment of the Miracle of the Wheat, the procession that ascends towards Colle di Sisto, commemorating the miraculous event linked to popular devotion. The traditional offering of wax, holy masses celebrated by priests and archbishops, and evocative nighttime moments that return the Saint to the church are also part of the festivities.

Between Sacred and Public Celebration

Alongside the religious dimension, Pomarico's festival explodes into civil celebrations: band concerts, fireworks that illuminate the sky above the badlands, entertainment for children, and grand evening concerts with nationally renowned artists. Organized by the festival committee with the parish and the Municipality of Pomarico, the Saint Michael the Archangel festival is the community's great identity event: a perfect opportunity to discover an authentic village in the Matera area in the midst of its most vibrant tradition.