Patronal Festival of the Madonna degli Angeli

The patronal festival of Cassano delle Murge

The Patronal Festival of the Madonna degli Angeli is the most anticipated event of the year in Cassano delle Murge, in the province of Bari, in the heart of Puglia and the Murgia plateau. For four days, from August 1st to 4th, the entire town is dressed for the occasion: illuminations light up the historic center, the funfair attracts families, and thousands of faithful and curious visitors flock to the streets to pay homage to Maria Santissima degli Angeli, the city's patron saint.

Origins and devotion to the Madonna degli Angeli

Devotion dates back to the Middle Ages. According to tradition, around 1250, a fresco of the Virgin of the Angels was discovered in a cave, having been hidden during iconoclastic persecutions. A convent was built on the site of the discovery, authorized in 1469, which is now the Sanctuary of Santa Maria degli Angeli, with a facade dating back to the 18th century. The sacred image was solemnly crowned in 1949 by Cardinal Benedetto Aloisi Masella. The anniversary falls on August 2nd, the day of the Pardon of Assisi (the Porziuncola), the Franciscan sanctuary linked to Saint Francis: hence the title of Madonna degli Angeli, shared with Assisi.

The four days of festivities

The program alternates between religious rites and moments of popular celebration. On August 1st, the town wakes up to the morning market, while in the evening, the painting of the Madonna is carried in procession and enthroned in Piazza Aldo Moro. On August 2nd, the patronal day, Holy Masses and the solemn Eucharistic concelebration take place; in the evening, the statue of the Madonna is paraded on an impressive triumphal chariot through the town streets, with the symbolic handing over of the city keys to the Patron Saint. August 3rd is dedicated to the evocative shoulder-borne procession of the statue through the historic center, while on August 4th, the Madonna returns to her Sanctuary, closing the festivities.

Brass bands, illuminations, and fireworks

The soundtrack of the festival is provided by Grand Brass Band Concerts: renowned ensembles from Puglia and Southern Italy perform in the bandstand, following the band tradition that makes patronal festivals in Southern Italy famous. Every night, the sky lights up with fireworks displays, opened at dawn by the 'diana' and closed by grandiose pyrotechnic shows. There is also a funfair set up along Via Padre Bernardino da Cassano, food and wine stands, and, in the lead-up starting from July 23rd, community initiatives such as the Summer Night, the Madonna degli Angeli Tournament, and a contest for emerging bands.

An identity-defining festival of the Bari Murgia

More than just an event, the Festival of the Madonna degli Angeli is the moment when the Cassano community rediscovers its identity. It is organized by the Patronal Festival Committee with the contribution of the entire town, and for those visiting the Murgia, it represents a unique opportunity to experience the popular religiosity, music, and flavors of the most authentic Puglia.