Colors of Brindisi - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Every year, Brindisi hosts interesting national celebrations and events that never cease to attract many curious travelers. Processione del Cavallo Parato remains one of the most famous and popular national celebrations. The name can be translated as “a procession of the decorated horse”. The holiday takes place 60 days after Easter. The Cathedral Square is traditionally the main destination of all solemn processions. Brindisi bishop heads the procession – this is also an old tradition. He rides a beautifully decorated white horse and moves on all main streets of the city. A procession of knights dressed in ancient armor follows the bishop.

There are many interesting legends connected with the history of this holiday, but no one knows for sure what the reason for it was. Some guess that this holiday appeared yet in the middle of the 13th century and crusaders were the ones who founded it. Nowadays, Processione del Cavallo Parato is one of the most beloved celebrations of local people. They relax and have fun until late at night, enjoy festive activities and concerts, and pamper themselves with delicacies in numerous local cafes.

Processione a Mare or the Festival of the Sea is a no less interesting event. This holiday falls to the first weekend of September. The celebration is not deprived of interesting events and solemn processions. Processione a Mare is dedicated to ancient patrons of the city – Laurentius and Theodore of Amasea. The solemn procession starts near Aragones Castle. Statues of the saints are taken out of the castle and put on boats. After that, the sacred relics are brought to the main pierce and the procession moves to the cathedral. Thousands of locals and guests of the city follow the statues on their way from the castle to the cathedral. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

According to the historical data, the holiday was celebrated for the first time in 1776. Relics of Saint Theodore were brought to Brindisi yet in 1210. According to a legend, Turkish fleet was chasing the ship that transferred the precious relic. In order not to die, sailors put the relics in a boat and let it sail freely. It is a miracle that the holy artifact survived. Fishermen found it in the port and immediately transferred to the cathedral, naming Saint Theodor the patron of the city. Later, citizen started praying to Laurentius of Brindisi, so today the celebration is dedicated to both the patrons. On the day of the celebration, interesting events, theatre performances, and special events for children never stop on the main square. When it is getting dark, local people gather to see the grandiose fireworks.

Naturally, history-related holidays are not the only events that take place in the city. Brindisi is a modern city that has much to offer to its guests regardless of their preferences. Italian wine is famous far beyond the borders of the city, so it is natural that there are many wine-related events in different parts of the country. Brindisi is no exception, between the first and second week of June the city hosts a very interesting festival – Negroamaro Wine Festival. It is a large exhibition in the open dedicated to the Negroamaro wine. The historical center of the city and its main monuments become the location of numerous stalls that offer wine sampling. Of course, no wine drinking is possible without delicious food. For tourists, it is a great opportunity to east delicious Apulian food.

In September, the city hosts an exciting music event, Festival regionale del Talento. As a rule, the event takes place on the third week of the month. This festival attracts new talents, amateur music bands, and even hobbyists. They perform in the city’s venues, on the streets and squares of Brindisi. This event has an incredibly friendly and cordial atmosphere. For tourists, it is a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with local music and make new friends among locals.