La Notte dei Falò a Castellana Grotte in Puglia

Halfway between religious feeling, folklore, and a propitiatory rite, every year in the month of January in Castellana Grotte the celebration of the Night of the Falò is perpetuated.
The town in Puglia known for its wonderful and ancient underground cavities is colored by the reflections given off by the lighting of huge piles of wood and special materials, becoming even more suggestive.
The Night of the Falò takes place every January 11th in Castellana Grotte and was born as a popular festival to thank the Madonna della Vetrana for her miracles towards the local population.
One of the places where a tall and imposing bonfire is set up is the Piazzetta of the Matrice San Leone Magno, the center of the celebrations that attract thousands of visitors every year.
Besides the undoubtedly interesting aspect from an anthropological, religious, and folkloristic point of view, the Night of the Falò – or Night of the Fanove – also offers those present the chance to taste typical enogastronomic products from the area: there are many points where you can savor wines, roasted cereals, taralli, and typical sweets.
Not only that: some oil mills of Castellana Grotte during the Night of the Falò allow tastings of the new oil, maybe consumed to pleasantly season the excellent bruschettas offered at the stands.
The Night of the Falò is the most popular and lively event of the cult of the Madonna della Vetrana who the next day – that is, every January 12th – is then carried in procession to the Mother Church, where she will remain for several days.
To organize a visit to Castellana Grotte, it is possible to select further information on the official portal www.comune.castellanagrotte.ba.it/turismo.