Apulia is a land full of traditions and religious feasts, which bring together the main expression of its folklore. The patron saints' days are celebrated in each settlement with processions, torchlight parades, and fireworks, against a backdrop of market stalls.

Then there are particular rites and traditions whose roots are to be found in other historical moments and have significant historical-anthropological importance.

In the province of Lecce, in Ruffano, people dance to the sound of organs all night on the eve of the feast of S. Rocco, on 15th August, miming a rustic duel with knives, which were once real but are now only evoked with movement of the fingers.

In Novoli an enormous pile of wood called “la Fòcara”, the height of a building with galleries inside it is burnt for S. Antonio Abate on 17th January.

In Galatina the rite of the tarantolate with their redemption dance in front of the chapel still partially survives on the day of St. Peter and St. Paul. In Lecce on S. Lucia on 13th December, there is the typical shepherds' fair and the fair of the crib models which Apulian artisans are excellent at making, like the more famous ones from Naples.

In the province of Brindisi in the middle of August there is the charming historical procession of Frederick II in Oria with the Palio dei Rioni. The great Swabian monarch is remembered here in his favourite land with his court of Saracens, Germans, Jews, nobles and notables of all kinds, who go in processions amongst the celebrating people wearing glittering costumes.

By coming to Alimini you can experience the pomp and splendour of these ancient traditions.