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Events, festivals, and traditions

The beating heart of Troia

Religious rites and Troian traditions

The municipality of Troia is renowned for its events rich in tradition and culture, which enliven the city throughout the year. Among the most anticipated events is the Patronal Festival of San Secondino, which every summer fills the streets with music, performances, and religious processions, involving both residents and visitors. Holy Week offers evocative representations of the Passion of Christ, with historical reenactments that fascinate and move. There are also events dedicated to promoting the territory and its typical products, such as the Sagra del Prosciutto di Troia, an unmissable opportunity to taste local gastronomic excellences. These events reflect the lively and welcoming spirit of Troia, making it an ideal destination for those wishing to experience authentic and engaging experiences.

The events of the month

Troia Theatre Festival

The "Troia Theatre Festival" is a cultural event of enormous significance that is organised annually by the Municipality of Troia. This captivating event has the unique ability to transform the picturesque Apulian village into an open-air stage, where the performing arts can shine in a unique and engaging atmosphere.

This festival does not merely celebrate theatre but promotes a vision of theatrical culture that masterfully combines tradition and experimentation. This allows the audience to experience an immersive and exciting journey through the historic streets of the city, enriching every corner with art and creativity. The Troia Theatre Festival stands out especially for its extraordinary capacity to blend art and territory, making it an essential reference point for theatre enthusiasts and professionals, who can meet here, exchange ideas, and find inspiration.

Wheat Festival

The Wheat Festival is a celebration to remind us of our origins and, above all, an event to enhance the history and culture of our territory; an opportunity to revive the ancient tradition of the Daunian Mountains, specifically that of Capo Canale.

Salt water from Guinness (in 2024 reaching 100 metres along the central course of the town), which is a loaf of bread seasoned with tomato, extra virgin olive oil, oregano, salt, and onions.

Thematic squares to recount the ancient phases of wheat processing, from threshing (even on horseback) to milling with small stone grinding mills, and outdoor workshops for making handmade pasta.

Music, food and wine stands, tastings of Nero di Troia, and squares dedicated to the little ones, with games from the past, provide tourists who are pleased to participate in this annual event with a delightful early summer day.

'Between Two Lands' Festival

With the name "Fra due terre," or "Mbrà dóij tèrr" in the local dialect, the stretch of Corso Umberto I is referred to, starting from the Church of San Basilio and reaching the Church of San Vincenzo.

This designation likely refers to the history of the city's foundation, which took place in 1019 by the Byzantine Catapan Basilio Bojoannes. At that time, there was indeed an older settlement that had developed around the Church of San Vincenzo (presumably the Vetus Civitas Troiana) and a more recent settlement that emerged around the Church of San Basilio in the higher part of the town, necessitating a road connection.

Today, this street, almost parallel to the main thoroughfare, opens into small alleys and picturesque squares, making this part of the historic centre particularly intimate and charming.

The rituals of Holy Week

A century-old tradition in Troia

In Troia, the rituals of Holy Week, established in 1702 by Bishop Cavalieri, create a suggestive and intense atmosphere. From Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, the Confraternities traverse the historic centre after the "Missa in Coena Domini," visiting the main churches in prayer. On Good Friday morning, five hooded men barefoot, starting from the Church of San Basilio Magno, drag chains and carry crosses on their shoulders, stopping in front of the Blessed Sacrament in various churches. In the evening, the "Procession of the Mysteries" begins from the square in front of the Cathedral, featuring five wooden statuary groups, while the originals from the 18th century are preserved in the Diocesan Ecclesiastical Museum. On Easter Sunday at 6:00 PM, it culminates with the "Procession of the Kiss," where the statues of the Madonna and the Saviour meet in front of the Cathedral, concluding with an emotional symbolic kiss.

The Feast of the Patron Saints

An ancient tradition in Troia

From 18th to 20th July, Troia celebrates the traditional feast of the Patron Saints, commemorating the translation of the relics of Saints Eleuterio, Ponziano, and Anastasio, which took place on 19th July 1105. These saints, along with San Secondino, already the protector of the city, and Pope Urban I, elevated to the fifth patron saint in 1670, are at the centre of these festive days. On the evening of 18th July, the five silver busts of the patron saints, works from the Neapolitan school, are carried in procession through the city streets, creating an atmosphere of devotion and community. On 19th July, a solemn pontifical mass is held in the Cathedral, presided over by the bishop, to honour the saints and strengthen the spiritual bond of the city with its protectors. The feast culminates on 20th July with events that unite tradition, faith, and community celebration.

The Feast of Saint John of God

A celebration of care and devotion

On 8th March, Troia celebrates with great devotion the feast of Saint John of God, co-patron of the city and protector of the sick, hospitals, and health. The veneration for Saint John of God dates back to 1588, the year the Fatebenefratelli hospital was founded, marking the origin of the cult of the saint and the Hospital Order of Saint John of God Fatebenefratelli. During the celebrations, a solemn procession moves through the city streets, carrying the statue of the saint and a precious fragment of his arm. This event not only strengthens faith and community but also reminds everyone of the importance of care and service towards the sick, values embodied by Saint John of God and celebrated with deep reverence by the citizens of Troia.

The Festival of Còtta Còtta

A journey through traditional flavours

Every year in August, Troia celebrates its agricultural-pastoral tradition with the Cotta Cotta festival, an event dedicated to a typical dish of the local cuisine. This delicious beef tripe soup is prepared with celery, carrot, onion, and tomato, and simmered for a long period, enhancing the flavours and textures of the ingredients. During the festival, residents and visitors can savour this delicacy accompanied by fragrant local bread and a good red wine from Troia. The celebration is not only an opportunity to taste a traditional dish but also to immerse oneself in the culture and traditions of the community, experiencing an authentic and convivial gastronomic event.

The festival of transhumance

A dive into the millennial traditions of Troia

Troia, a millennial city and an important stop along the Via Francigena, celebrates the Festival of Transhumance, honouring an ancient practice that crosses the Camporeale-Foggia track, a branch of the royal tratturo Candela-Pescasseroli. This celebration, reintroduced in recent years, sees flocks of sheep traverse the territory, evoking the pastoral past of the region. In December 2019, Troia became the first Italian municipality to host transhumance after its recognition by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. During the dedicated day, the community immerses itself in traditions, participating in cultural events and tastings of local products, rediscovering the historical and cultural significance of this pastoral practice.

The Olive Oil Festival

Celebration of Troia's Green Treasure

In recent years, Troia has decided to dedicate an entire day to its precious extra virgin olive oil, celebrating the tradition and quality of local production. The event, scheduled for 8th December, offers visitors educational tours in the olive mills to discover the secrets of oil processing, alongside displays that highlight the rural culture of the area. The main square comes alive with tastings of local specialities, all dressed with the new extra virgin olive oil, allowing guests to savour the authentic taste of this green treasure. The Oil Festival is a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate the gastronomic excellences of Troia, strengthening the link between tradition and innovation.

Celebrating Nero di Troia

Conference and festival in honour of the native grape variety

The Regional Conference of Nero di Troia, held annually in July, represents a key moment for the development of the wine industry and the promotion of the native Apulian grape variety. In addition to meetings with experts and sommeliers, the streets and alleys of the city are transformed into a festive stage dedicated to Nero di Troia. Participants can follow dedicated routes, visit local wineries to learn about the production process, and, most importantly, enjoy tastings that highlight the unique qualities of this grape. The Nero di Troia Festival not only celebrates Troia's winemaking tradition but also the pride and excellence of its producers, contributing to the enhancement of the region and its wine culture.