The Fòcara of Novoli (Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot)

The 2025 Fòcara, titled 'Guardians of the Rite of the Good Fire' and under the artistic direction of Alessandro Maria Polito, took place in Novoli (LE) from January 8 to 25, 2025, attracting over 80,000 visitors. The colossal bonfire of vine shoots, about 25 meters high and nearly 20 meters wide, was built by hand by a hundred volunteers and lit on the evening of January 16 in Piazza Tito Schipa with a pyromusical show.

The festival, organized by the Municipal Administration together with the Fòcara Foundation, alternated moments of devotion to Saint Anthony the Abbot with evenings of great folk music and Salento pizzica, confirming the event as one of the most evocative fire rituals in Italy.

Thursday, January 16 — Lighting of the Fòcara

Piazza Tito Schipa, from 8:30 PM. Pre-show with dance performance by Giorgio Guerrieri and Giulia Gessaroli ('Ritual Fire Dance' from El amor brujo), followed by the pyromusical lighting of the bonfire.

• 9:00 PM — Arneo Tambourine Project (Giancarlo Paglialunga)
• 9:30 PM — Benèrika
• 10:15 PM — Roy Paci and Aretuska
• 11:45 PM — After concert: Dervisci Live Dj Set
• 12:45 AM — Mixa Munny

Friday, January 17 — Saint Anthony the Abbot

Solemn procession, religious celebrations, and continuation of performances on the main stage of Piazza Tito Schipa.