Feste patronali Annual

"If you don't experience it, you can't tell it!" The Madonna della Bruna festival in Matera.

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Luogo:Matera (MT)

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It all begins at dawn when the sun starts illuminating the Sassi, and Matera dresses in joy and tradition. The Feast of the Madonna della Bruna is the essence and spirituality of this ancient community that every Materano, wherever they may be, carries within themselves. The celebration, held on July 2nd of each year, is an extraordinary experience that combines religious devotion with a popular festival.

Participating in the Feast of the Madonna della Bruna, dedicated to Maria SS. della Bruna, the patron saint of Matera, means experiencing a unique event in the world where the beauty of a breathtaking city combines with the identity of a community, making us all, for that day, a bit like residents of the Sassi!
If your family is from Matera, we are certain that even if you’ve never personally participated in the Feast, you’ve surely heard from your grandparents or parents about the Bruna and the strong devotion that binds the people of Matera to their patron saint.

The preparation for the event begins weeks in advance, with the city center adorned with lights and hosting stalls that form crowded markets of citizens and tourists.

It is possible to visit the Carro Workshop, where the 12-meter-long triumphal cart is crafted. This cart has been constructed for centuries to carry the statue of the Madonna in procession. It’s an experience worth hearing about from the master paper maché craftsman who, each year, wins the honor and responsibility of reconstructing the cart through a competitive process.

The day of July 2nd starts early at dawn with the so-called “Procession of the Shepherds,” kicking off the celebrations of the longest day with a solemn procession that crosses the city center. The statue of Maria SS. della Bruna is carried in procession on a sumptuous papier-mâché triumphal cart produced by local artisans, escorted during the route by a host of riders in colorful costumes.

The most vibrant moment to experience firsthand or watch from the balconies and streets near the square is at the end of the procession when, after the statue of the Madonna is brought back to the Cathedral, the triumphal cart is returned to the city center where it is destroyed by the crowd with the famous “strazzo del carro.” Taking home a piece of the cart as a trophy is considered auspicious, but beware, the assault on cart is not an easy task!

For the tourist of the roots who returns to visit Matera, it can be challenging to obtain a piece of the cart during the hectic phases of “strazzo”. It’s much simpler (and less dangerous) to visit a master papier-mâché artisan’s workshop and calmly purchase a beautiful angel or another papier-mâché decoration as a memento of the Festa della Bruna.
A beautiful souvenir to bring back home and to show off to friends and acquaintances, why not, perhaps by recounting how it was conquered and snatched personally during the assault!

The day of collective celebration brings together residents and visitors in an unforgettable experience of sharing and happiness, culminating in a breathtaking fireworks show.

The Festa della Bruna is much more than a religious celebration; it is a vivid expression of the culture, history, and passion of the people of Matera, which is celebrated, of course, at the table as well. The traditional dish is baked pasta with meatballs, to be enjoyed while remembering the grandmothers of yesterday and today.

Anyone fortunate enough to participate in this unforgettable celebration will find themselves immersed in an atmosphere of joy, devotion, and conviviality that makes Matera a truly unique place in the world.

 

Days

02 July 24

02 July 24

Timetable

04:30 - 23:59

Information/To know

Location/The place

Address

Matera, MT, Italia

How to get there

Once you arrive in Matera, follow the signs indicating the city center.

Contact form

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Information

Agency

Municipality of Matera - Association of Maria SS della Bruna

Contacts