Patronal Feast of Saints Quirico and Giulitta
The patron saints of Cisternino celebrated through faith, artistic illuminations, and fireworks in the heart of the Itria Valley
About Cisternino Patronal Feast
The most anticipated festival of the Cisternino summer
When the calendar marks the first days of August, the historic center of Cisternino, in the heart of the Itria Valley in the province of Brindisi, transforms to host its patronal feast in honor of Saints Quirico and Giulitta. It is the most cherished event of the year, where the entire community—along with many emigrants returning for the occasion and tourists flocking to Puglia in summer—gathers under the artistic illuminations to unite devotion and popular celebration.
History and devotion: Saints Quirico and Giulitta
The bond between Cisternino and its patrons is rooted in local tradition: it is said that the young martyr Quirico and his mother Giulitta saved the village from a terrible plague epidemic in the 17th century. Their devotion was formalized in 1694 by the Holy Congregation of Rites, and since then, the community has renewed its gratitude every year with a three-day prayer and a grand civil celebration.
Three days of faith and festivities
The program, curated by the Patronal Feast Committee together with the parish and the Municipality of Cisternino, spans three days. Mornings and evenings are marked by religious rites—the Holy Rosary, Holy Masses in the Mother Church, and Eucharistic concelebrations presided over by the bishops of the Diocese of Conversano-Monopoli—while the squares come alive with shows, concerts, and moments of sharing. There is no shortage of craft markets, street food, and activities dedicated to children in the municipal pine forest.
Illuminations, bands, and fireworks
- Artistic illuminations that decorate streets and squares, featuring a suggestive musical lighting show;
- Brass orchestras and bands that parade through the streets and perform in Piazza Garibaldi;
- Performances by flag-wavers and marching bands;
- The solemn gala procession with clergy, civil and military authorities, and confraternities;
- The grand fireworks display that closes the festival day, lighting up the sky above the trulli.
Cisternino and the Itria Valley
Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, Cisternino dominates the Itria Valley from above with its labyrinth of white alleys, arches, and courtyard houses. Experiencing the patronal feast means discovering the authentic soul of this corner of Puglia, where popular spirituality, the Puglian band tradition, and the conviviality of summer evenings merge into an unforgettable experience. A perfect opportunity to combine a holiday in the land of the trulli with the discovery of one of the most vibrant identity traditions in the Brindisi area.
Cisternino Patronal Feast — edition 2026
The 2026 Patronal Feast of Cisternino returns from August 1 to 3 with a program that weaves religious solemnity and popular celebration. The triduum culminates on Sunday, August 3, the feast day of the patron saints, with the solemn Eucharistic concelebration, the symbolic handing over of the city keys, and the grand gala procession, followed by the fireworks display in Piazza Garibaldi.
Accompanying the rites are three evenings of music, shows, craft markets, and street food, with brass orchestras performing through the streets of the historic center lit by artistic illuminations.
Programme Cisternino Patronal Feast 2026
Saturday, August 1 — 1st evening of the triduum
- 18:30 — Holy Rosary
- 19:00 — Holy Mass presided over by Father Andrea Simone, with the participation of the faithful from the SS. Immacolata parish of Casalini and C.da Caranna, and the blessing of mothers
- 21:00 — Comedy show "Cicà and Cocó" in the Municipal Villa
Sunday, August 2 — 2nd evening of the triduum
- 18:30 — Holy Rosary
- 19:00 — Solemn Eucharistic concelebration presided over by Monsignor Giuseppe Favale, Bishop of Conversano-Monopoli
- 19:45 — Parade of the Battitori Nzegna flag-wavers from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele towards Piazza Garibaldi, with performances and the switching on of artistic illuminations
Sunday, August 3 — Feast of the Patron Saints
- 09:00 and 10:30 — Holy Masses in the Mother Church
- 09:30 — Activities for children in the municipal pine forest
- 11:00 — Matinée in Piazza Garibaldi with the "G. Ligonzio" Brass Orchestra of Conversano
- 18:30 — Solemn Eucharistic concelebration in Piazza Garibaldi presided over by Monsignor Sandro Ramirez, Vicar General of the diocese, with the prayer of entrustment and the symbolic handing over of the city keys to the patron saints
- 19:30 — Solemn gala procession with clergy, religious communities, civil and military authorities, neighboring municipalities, confraternities, and local associations
- 21:15 — Musical parade of the EUROBAND MURGIA'S
- 21:00 — Fireworks display in Piazza Garibaldi upon the return of the procession
- 21:30 — Concert by the "G. Ligonzio" Brass Orchestra conducted by Maestro Angelo Schirinzi
The program is curated by the Patronal Feast Committee; times and appointments may be subject to change. Craft markets and street food in the historic center enrich the evenings.
Highlights Cisternino Patronal Feast 2026
Prices Cisternino Patronal Feast 2026
Practical information — Cisternino Patronal Feast
How to get there
Cisternino is located in the Itria Valley, halfway between Brindisi and Bari. By car, it can be reached via the SS16 and the SS172 dei Trulli roads. The Cisternino train station is served by the Ferrovie del Sud Est (Bari-Martina Franca-Taranto line); the nearest airports are Brindisi and Bari.
Where it takes place
Civil and religious events are concentrated in the historic center, particularly in Piazza Garibaldi, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, at the Mother Church, and in the municipal pine forest.
Costs
Admission to all events is free.
Information
Cisternino Tourist Infopoint: +39 391 4387131. Program updates are available on the Municipality's website and the Patronal Feast's Facebook page.
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Where does it take place — Cisternino Patronal Feast
Centro storico e Piazza Garibaldi
Piazza Garibaldi, 72014 Cisternino