Sagra del Granoturco and Feast of San Rocco

When Taste Meets Faith

In Salandra, a hilly village in the province of Matera, mid-August is marked by two intertwined events: the Sagra del Granoturco (Corn Festival) and the Feast of San Rocco. On one hand, the celebration of a simple and iconic product of the Lucanian peasant tradition, corn; on the other, the popular devotion to the pilgrim saint, celebrated on August 16th.

The Sagra del Granoturco

For several evenings in August, the streets of the historic center come alive with food stalls dedicated to corn and traditional peasant dishes, accompanied by music and entertainment. It's a popular festival that highlights the authentic flavors of the region and the community's connection to its land.

San Rocco and the 'cente' of wheat

On August 16th, the feast day of San Rocco, the religious celebration culminates with the procession of the saint through the town streets and the traditional votive offerings: the 'cente', decorated structures carried by the faithful as a sign of devotion and thanksgiving. In recent years, the parish, with parish priest Don Fabio Vena, has given new linearity to the festival days, emphasizing August 16th as the central date and proposing initiatives like the "S. Rocco, let's get to know him" project aimed at children.

A festival for the whole community

• Food stalls featuring corn and typical Lucanian dishes;
• Procession of San Rocco with wheat offerings;
• Themed days: Assumption solemnity, patron saint's feast, activities for children, and moments dedicated to the community;
• Sporting events such as the Minipodistica and StraSalandra.