St. John's Night – Sentieri Modugnesi

The most magical night of summer in Modugno

St. John's Night has always been one of the most enchanting nights of the year: a time when ancient rituals, wishes, fire, and community spirit intertwine. In Modugno, within the Metropolitan City of Bari, this tradition comes alive thanks to the Sentieri Modugnesi APS association, which invites citizens, friends, and visitors every year around June 23rd to rediscover the local landscape through a grand, slow-paced night walk.

A bonfire along the trails of Balsignano

The heart of the event is the traditional bonfire lit near the fortified Casale di Balsignano, an ancient medieval settlement featuring historic churches, located just a short distance from a Neolithic village. Gathered around the fire, in keeping with ancient folk rituals tied to light and wishes, the community comes together to share emotions, stories, and the magic of one of the most evocative nights of the Puglian summer.

The five trails of Modugno

The event highlights the Sentieri Modugnesi project, a network of five slow-mobility trails that form a loop around the town and its surrounding countryside. Along the paths, participants encounter the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Grotta, ancient carob trees, and the striking lame (the characteristic karstic incisions of the Puglian landscape), as well as the historic center with the Palazzo della Regia Corte and, of course, Balsignano. The route also allows walkers to trace the continuation of the Cammino Materano, which crosses this corner of Puglia.

Food, refreshments, and community

During the walk, rest and refreshment areas are set up where participants can enjoy sandwiches, typical fioroni (the first figs of the season), gelato, and beer. It is a convivial occasion to experience the territory authentically, blending nature, history, and popular traditions while showcasing spaces and architecture that are often overlooked.

A community project

The initiative stems from the voluntary commitment of the Sentieri Modugnesi APS association, which is active in the rediscovery and care of Modugno's rural paths, with the goal of returning disused places, farmhouses, and structures to the community. The 2026 edition coincided with the inauguration of the association's new headquarters, marking another milestone in a journey that combines sustainable tourism, heritage, and public participation.