Saint Joseph's Bonfire Festival

The 2025 edition of the Bonfire Festival — Bonfires in the alleys & ancient delicacies took place on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. From 7:00 PM, fourteen wood piles were lit in as many locations in the Monopoli historic center — from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele to Largo Castello, from Piazza Palmieri to Via Mulini — enriched by street performers, live music, and street food corners.

Among the alleys, visitors could taste the most beloved specialties of the Apulian tradition: bombette, caciocavallo, orecchiette, and much more. The evening was brightened by roving shows with fire-eaters, street bands, and pizzica groups, in addition to the hobbyist market in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and the opening of churches usually closed, such as Sant'Angelo, Santa Maria della Zaffara, and San Salvatore. Bonfires also took place in the Sant'Anna neighborhood (with mass and the blessing of bread) and in the Cozzana and Sicarico districts. The free Park&Ride service from Via Pisonio was active throughout the evening.