The Fòcara of Novoli (Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot)
One of the world's largest traditional ritual bonfires, in the heart of Salento
About The Fòcara of Novoli
The Novoli Fire Festival
In the heart of Salento, every January, the small town of Novoli in the province of Lecce becomes the stage for one of Italy's most spectacular fire rituals: The Fòcara. At the center of the festival dedicated to Saint Anthony the Abbot—the town's patron saint since 1644—stands a colossal conical bonfire built entirely by hand by master 'fasciddrari': an ephemeral giant nearly 25 meters high and 20 meters wide, made from over 100,000 bundles of dry vine shoots (the 'sarmente') tied one by one by a hundred volunteers.
An ancient rite between the sacred and the profane
The Fòcara is rooted in popular devotion to Saint Anthony the Abbot, the protector of animals, fire, and farmers. On the evening of the lighting, the tower of vine shoots is set ablaze and burns for hours, illuminating the Salento sky while thousands of people gather in Piazza Tito Schipa. The devotional aspect—featuring masses, processions, and the traditional blessing of animals—is accompanied by a great secular festival filled with folk music, pizzica, concerts, pyromusical shows, exhibitions, and cultural events.
Over forty events
The festival is not limited to the night of the bonfire; it unfolds throughout a full January calendar with over forty events, including concerts, conferences, art exhibitions, performances, and moments dedicated to Salento gastronomy. Each edition features a specific theme and artistic direction, reinterpreting the fire ritual in a contemporary key without betraying its ancient soul.
A heritage of Salento and Puglia
Recognized as one of the world's largest traditional ritual bonfires, the Fòcara of Novoli attracts tens of thousands of visitors from all over Puglia and Italy every year. With institutional support (Puglia Region, Province of Lecce, Ministry of Culture and Tourism), it has become a symbol of Salento identity and an unmissable appointment for those wishing to experience the Puglian winter in the warmth of a millenary fire.
The Fòcara of Novoli — edition 2026
The 2026 Fòcara of Novoli, titled 'Roots of Fire' and under the artistic direction of Giacomo Fronzi, took place from January 6 to 25, 2026, in the center of the Salento town. The heart of the event was the lighting of the great vine-shoot bonfire on the evening of January 16 in Piazza Tito Schipa, preceded by a multimedia fire ceremony and accompanied by pyromusical shows.
Over forty events intertwined devotion to Saint Anthony the Abbot, cultural reflection, art, and great folk music, with sociologist Derrick de Kerckhove named 'Ambassador of Fire'. An edition that confirmed the Fòcara as one of the most important identity-defining events in Puglia and Salento.
Programme The Fòcara of Novoli 2026
Tuesday, January 6 — Opening
Enthronement of the saint and solemn mass: the long calendar of the Saint Anthony the Abbot festival begins.
Thursday, January 15
- Conference 'Men and Fires' with sociologist Derrick de Kerckhove, named Ambassador of Fire.
Friday, January 16 — Lighting of the Fòcara
Piazza Tito Schipa, from 8:30 PM: fire ceremony, lighting of the great bonfire, and pyromusical show.
- Carly Paoli — international guest
- Antonio Castrignanò & Taranta Sound (special guests Don Rico and Puccia)
- The Originals: Africa Unite & The Bluebeaters
Saturday, January 17
- Discographia Clandestina
- Negrita — super guests
- Disco Macumba
- Maurizio Macrì feat. Sandro Sax and Blandini
Sunday, January 18 — Villagers' Festival
- Sagra te lu puercu (Compagnia popolare salentina)
- Enzo Petrachi & Folk Orchestra
Until January 25
Continuation of religious and secular events until the final mass and the return of the saint's statue.
Highlights The Fòcara of Novoli 2026
Prices The Fòcara of Novoli 2026
Practical information — The Fòcara of Novoli
Where
The lighting of the Fòcara and the main concerts are held in Piazza Tito Schipa, in the center of Novoli (LE). Religious events take place at the Parish Church of Saint Anthony the Abbot.
When
Every year in January, with the peak on January 16-18 (lighting on the evening of the 16th).
Admission
Free admission to all events.
How to get there
Novoli is located about 15 km from Lecce, along the road to Brindisi. It can be reached by car via the SS613 and by train via the Ferrovie Sud Est. During peak days, arriving early is recommended due to the large crowds.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — The Fòcara of Novoli
Piazza Tito Schipa
Piazza Tito Schipa, 73051 Novoli