In Potenza, devotion to St. Gerardo Maiella is renewed every year culminating in one of the most fascinating and heartfelt celebrations: the Parata dei Turchi. In 2025, the city is once again preparing to relive this unique event, an interweaving of faith, history and folklore that captures the souls of young and old alike.
The parade, with its lavish costumes and brisk pace, evokes ancient legends and the Saint’s protection of the Potentine community. It is a moment of strong collective identity, an explosion of colors and sounds that culminates in the traditional homage to the patron saint.
Mark the date in your calendar of 2025 to immerse yourself in this extraordinary Potentine tradition, an experience that combines the spirituality associated with St. Gerardo with the vibrant energy of his Parata dei Turchi.
Here are some moments not to be missed:
The “Potenza Folk Festival” which reconfirms itself among the highlights of the city and region’s entertainment offerings. It kicks off on Monday, May 26, with a concert by Tarantolati di Tricarico and Rumba De Bodas. Then on Tuesday, May 27, it will be the turn of Riserva Moac and Patagarri, a revelation group of the Swing, jazz and swag scene, a national band whose unmistakable sound will make everyone who fills “Prefettura” square jump and dance. The last day of the festival will be the turn of the Speedy, the Musici and the Tre allegri ragazzi morti. The three evenings will start around 8:30 pm.
On Thursday 29 before, we gather in devotion of the Historic Parade of Turks, space for the “Pranzo dei Portatori” which after more than 19 years returns to Mario Pagano Square. The feast will be accompanied by live music by Agostino Gerardi. The event is exclusively for those over 18 years of age. For tickets, as per tradition, it will be necessary to contact one of the Portatori.
Historic Parata dei Turchi
a Viviani Sports Field, 7:00 p.m. – Start of the Historical Parata dei Turchi
Route: Viviani Sports Field Viale Marconi Viale Dante Via Vaccaro Corso Umberto Porta Salza Via Pretoria Largo Duomo
1st Setting: Celebrations for the Patron Saint in 19th century Potenza.
The festive people of Potenza commemorate St. Gerardo
2nd Setting … then went the Turkish and Moorish company dressed: the parade in Potenza in 1578
The conquering Turks
The Turks ready to fight
The legend of St. Gerard conquering the Turks with warrior angels
The City is free
Entry into the city of Count Alfonso de Guevara
3rd Setting St. Gerardo and popular devotion in the Middle Ages.
The procession of the patron saint in the 12th century: the people and clergy celebrate St. Gerardo Porta Salza. Count Alfonso de Guevara new lord of the City of Potenza.
Piazza Sedile
Iaccara lights up
Piazza Sedile in celebration
Largo Duomo
St. Gerardo’s torches and little angels
At the end of the Parade, Prayer Vigil
