Saint Nicholas Historical Pageant

A re-enactment that brings Rutigliano back to the Middle Ages

Every year in May, the historic center of Rutigliano, a town in the Metropolitan City of Bari in Puglia, travels back over seven centuries. The Saint Nicholas Historical Pageant is one of the most cherished historical re-enactments in the Bari province: a long costume procession that winds through the alleys and squares of the old town to recount one of the foundational episodes of the city's identity.

The historical event: the 1306 donation

The event commemorates the donation of the Rutigliano fiefdom to the Chapter of Saint Nicholas of Bari, formalized on May 13, 1306, by the will of Charles II of Anjou. From that moment, Saint Nicholas became the patron of the city. The pageant stages the announcement of the royal decision and the proclamation of the Saint as the protector of Rutigliano, with the participation of historical figures such as Archpriest Ursone, who illustrated the Saint's virtues to the citizens in 1306.

The procession and participants

Around 150 participants in medieval costumes parade through the town streets, accompanied by flag-wavers, musicians, and drummers. The re-enactment involves historical groups from all over Puglia and beyond, including the Saint Nicholas of Bari Participants, the Armenian Community of Bari, the Melphicta nel Passato group from Molfetta, the Terra Grumi Flag-wavers and Musicians from Grumo Appula, and the Lia Damato Free University of the Third Age from Rutigliano. During the procession, a painting depicting Saint Nicholas protecting medieval Rutigliano is carried on a medieval cart.

A regional recognition

The Saint Nicholas Historical Pageant has been recognized as Cultural Heritage of the Puglia Region, a testament to the historical and identity value of the event. The event is conceived and directed by journalist and historian Gianni Capotorto and is organized by the Crucifix and Saint Nicholas Festival Committee together with the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria della Colonna and Saint Nicholas, with the patronage of the Municipality of Rutigliano and the Basilica of Saint Nicholas of Bari.

Two days of celebration

The event is divided into two moments: the evening procession, which starts from Piazza Colamussi and ends in Piazza XX Settembre, and the Gala Procession the following day, featuring the evocative Presentation of the City Keys to the patron Saint. An unmissable appointment for those who want to experience the medieval atmosphere of Puglia and the deep popular devotion that binds Rutigliano to Saint Nicholas.