Solemn Festivities of Saint Vincent Ferrer

The festival of Squinzano's co-patron

Every year in mid-June, Squinzano—a town in northern Salento in the province of Lecce—pays homage to Saint Vincent Ferrer, its co-patron alongside Saint Nicholas of Myra. It is one of the most heartfelt celebrations in the local calendar: for several days, the streets of the historic center and the grand Piazza Plebiscito fill with worshippers, illuminations, and music, in a typically Salentine blend of popular faith and civic celebration.

Who was Saint Vincent Ferrer

A Spanish priest who lived in the second half of the 14th century, Saint Vincent Ferrer joined the Order of Preachers (the Dominicans) at a very young age, distinguishing himself as a tireless preacher and a prolific writer of treatises and sermons. He was canonized by Pope Callixtus III in 1455. In Squinzano, his cult was introduced in 1774 by the noble Spanish Erriquez family, the feudal lords of the small town. Since then, the community has venerated him as a protector: his liturgical memorial falls on April 5th in the 17th-century church of San Giovanni Battista, while the external festival, which is larger and more popular, is celebrated in June.

The statue and protection from cholera

The statue of the saint, crafted from wood and papier-mâché, depicts him standing with a crucifix in his left hand and his other hand raised toward the sky. The devotion of the people of Squinzano is especially linked to their deliverance from a cholera epidemic: as a sign of gratitude, the community enriched the statue over time with a precious medallion of gold and gemstones, which is displayed during the festival days.

How it unfolds

The festivities open with the vesting of the statue in the church of San Giovanni Battista and the solemn transfer to the Mother Church, near Pentecost. This is followed by the three days of the triduum and, on Sunday, the highlight: the Eucharistic celebration presided over by the parish priest and the long procession of the statue through the town streets, accompanied by the historic town band. In the evening, Piazza Plebiscito becomes the stage for the civic festivities, with the traditional grand concert that brings well-known names of Italian music to Squinzano every year.

Organizers

The festival is managed by the Circolo Pro Feste "San Vincenzo Ferreri", an association active since 1956 based in Piazza Plebiscito, in close collaboration with the parish. It is an event that weaves together local identity, Salentine band traditions, and entertainment, representing one of the most important community moments of the year for Squinzano.