Saint Gregory of Nazianzus Festival

The 2025 edition of the Saint Gregory of Nazianzus Festival renewed the centuries-old devotion to the patron saint in Acquarica di Lecce, a village in the Municipality of Vernole (province of Lecce). On August 20th and 21st, the Salento village lit up with spectacular illuminations, drawing faithful and visitors from across the province.

On the evening of August 20th, immediately after vespers, the statue of Saint Gregory set off in procession from the Mother Church on Piazza Malta, winding through the streets of the center with the participation of the faithful and confraternities. On August 21st, the patronal feast day, liturgical celebrations were renewed, followed by a procession accompanied by brass bands. The «Città di Castellana» band performed in Piazza Malta, while the traditional firework display closed the festivities.

Wednesday, August 20th — Liturgical celebrations and vespers in the Mother Church; followed by a solemn evening procession with the statue of Saint Gregory of Nazianzus through the streets of Acquarica di Lecce, with the participation of the faithful and confraternities.

Thursday, August 21st — Patronal feast day: holy masses and a procession accompanied by brass bands playing sacred melodies. In the evening, a concert by the «Città di Castellana» band in Piazza Malta and a final firework display. Throughout the festival, artistic illuminations lined the streets of the town.

• Evening procession with the statue of the patron saint (August 20th)
• Concert by the «Città di Castellana» band in Piazza Malta
• Final firework display and artistic illuminations