“Palio della Mezzaluna” Palio of the Crescent

It is a very important event in our town also for its historical implications

Many among the soldiers were from Massafra, led by the bishop of Mottola, Jacopo Micheli On September 22 in 1594 a Turkish fleet reached the mouth of the Tara river, 4 km. away from Massafra. They fought the Christian troops

After a hard battle, an overwhelming victory

In order to celebrate the ventures, Massafra’s people set up the “palio”, a tournament in historical costumes

In 1957 the “ Palio dei Rioni “ was founded. Massafra is divided into six neighbourhoods: PappacodaImperiali Santi Medici Santa Caterina Gesù Bambino San Marco

The celebrations for the palio begin in the afternoon, when the six neighbourhoods are blessed in front of the Dome and swear chivalry royalty

In the procession knights, pageboys, armigers parade, projecting the audience in a magnificent and mysterious age

The knights challenge each other trying to thread their lance through a ring hanging down a tower

Then you can enjoy the relay race in the main streets of the town

The winner is the athlete who first reaches the square with the torch lit in his hand sets fire to the cracker placed in front of the main authorities of the town

The Carnival

The Carnival in Massafra has a long tradition (60 editions so far)

It is one of the most important in Apulia

It is well known as really funny

Every year at Carnival there is a parade of floats along the main street of the town

The floats are made of papier machè and take part into a competition

Children, young people and adults enjoy the Carnival

They join maskers in dance and everybody has fun

The official mask of Massafra’s Carnival is Gibergallo, a type of clown

Schools also take part in the contest with very nice groups, who perform in front of the jury

This is one of their permormances

The procession of the “Mysteries”

It is a long procession

It features 8 floats of wood and sculptures of scenes of the Passion

It takes place every Good Friday

The statues include the Dead Jesus and the Lady of Sorrows

Festival of grain

It takes place in Summer

All people gather on a very old farm

The carved watermelons contest

Artists at work…

Artists compete to carve out the best sculpture!

The event takes place in Summer at a facility by the sea

BYE GOOD BYE BYE CIAO CIAO !!!