The Gargano is not simply a destination where you can spend your summer holidays enjoying the sea and relaxing, but also a magical place with many events not to be missed! This Apulian destination can satisfy everyone: from those in search of fun to those who wish to discover the flavours and tastes of its extraordinary gastronomic tradition.
Carnival of Manfredonia, which for over sixty years has impressed children and adults with bright colours and very special masks! The famous Sfilata delle Meraviglie, sponsored by Unicef since 1998, takes place on the first Sunday of Carnival and is dedicated to nursery and primary school children. Passion and experience are the key elements of this beautiful event, bringing together the builders of the monumental allegorical floats; the most modern techniques are blended with ancient materials such as papier-mâché. The scene is all about the parade, in which themes of great cultural and political interest alternate. Over the years, many personalities from the entertainment world have presented the famous Carnival, from Renzo Arbore to Gigi Proietti, up to Simona Ventura, Pippo Baudo, Manuela Folliero and Marisa Laurito.
If you decide to visit the Gargano during the Easter period you should know that in San Marco in Lamis, towards the hinterland, on Good Friday, the evocative Processione delle Fracchie takes place. A moment of strong faith mixed with sorrow, in which the so-called ‘fracchie’ are burned: gigantic wooden torches that reach about six metres in height, made by the inhabitants of the village to accompany and illuminate the route desperately travelled by Our Lady of Sorrows in search of her son. For more than half a century, transporting the enormous ‘lights’ has meant, for the most devout, being fully involved in the Passion of Christ; it is a test of strength, courage and transport that has no equal throughout Italy. Aided by chains and long ropes, the ‘fracchisti’ carry the flaming carts while keeping their feet wrapped in bandages to prevent the burning coals from stopping their journey.
For twenty years now, the Carpino Folk Festival has brought together thousands of performing arts enthusiasts in Carpino, in the first week of August. Specifically, it is an event dedicated to the music, popular theatre and dance of the rich Gargano territory. The programme also includes numerous laboratories, conferences, workshops, film and literary presentations, and live performances. During the festival, legendary folk beliefs meet with the overwhelming notes of pizziche and traditional dances, creating a unique atmosphere! A truly commendable initiative is “Cantar Viaggiando“, which will give you the opportunity to travel aboard the wagons of the Gargano Railways. From San Severo station, you will set off to discover not only the beautiful Gargano landscape, but also evocative stories mixed with ancient songs, thanks to the presence of small themed events on board.
In the historic centre of Monte Sant’Angelo, a Unesco heritage site, the Legambiente association is organising the FestambienteSud, a true festival dedicated to Southern Italy. Towards the end of July, thanks also to the collaboration of La Nuova Ecologia – a historic monthly magazine focusing on environmentalism – hundreds of volunteers work to create an important opportunity for dialogue and discussion, and many initiatives in the fields of theatre, music, gastronomy, literature and cinema. Over the years, artists such as Vinicio Capossela, Carmen Consoli, Caparezza, Omar Sosa and Afterhours have performed in the small town.
Also in Carpino, since 2010, inJuly, an interesting gastronomic event, I sapori dell’arte, has been organised at Agriturismo Biorussi, not far from Lake Varano. This is an interesting gastronomic event that highlights local products and local artists, and is ideal for those who want to discover the intense flavours of the Gargano. The village is transformed into one big square where you can taste many excellent products: from honey to oil, from cheese to cured meats, from bread to various wines and truly delicious desserts. All this is accompanied by popular music, photographic exhibitions and meetings with authors. Other must-see events are the Sagra della capra in acqua salata e dei formaggi, towards the end of July in Cagnano Varano, and the Festa Mangiamare, near the port of Manfredonia, dedicated to blue fish!