Sagra del Granoturco e Festa di San Rocco

When taste meets faith

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

The Sagra del Granoturco

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

Saint Roch and the wheat 'cente'

On August 16th, the feast day of Saint Roch, the religious celebration culminates with the procession of the saint through the village streets and the traditional votive offerings: the 'cente', ornate 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 a new linearity to the festival days, highlighting 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 Saint Roch with wheat offerings;
• Themed days: Assumption Day solemnity, patron saint's feast, activities for children, and community events;
• Sporting events such as the Minipodistica and the StraSalandra.