"È semb fest a Polascjen" (It's always a party in Palagiano)
Palagiano celebrates three festivals every year that are deeply felt by the citizens:
- San Rocco (Patron of Palagiano)
It falls on the penultimate weekend of August. The country dresses up for three days (Saturday, Sunday, Monday), with the traditional Apulian illuminations, the Cassarmonica, the stalls, the rides and the usual religious rites, including the "Cavalcade of the Saint": Children wear clothes traditional of San Rocco and accompany the Saint on horseback through the streets of the town.
- St. Nicholas
It falls on the penultimate weekend of May. The country dresses up for three days, with the traditional Apulian illuminations, the Cassarmonica, the stalls, the rides and the usual religious rites, including the exit of the Saint with the characteristic boat.
- Madonna della Stella
It falls on the weekend of the second week of October. The country dresses up for three days, with the traditional Apulian illuminations, the Cassarmonica, the stalls, the rides and the usual religious rites. The climax and great anticipation is represented by the distribution of the “Tagghiarin”, the fettuccine topped with a very spicy chilli sauce. Wagons with pots of pasta parade through the crowd eager to taste the ritual of the year.
It is the most evocative anniversary, to which every Palagianese is linked, waiting for it every year.
The legend tells of two sailors, who escaped a storm, thanks to the Star of the Sea that led them to shore. Safe but exhausted, they go into the woods, following a star to a small house. Here a woman welcomes them by preparing a plate of fettuccine and offering them a place for the night.
The next morning, the two sailors look for the Woman without finding her. Suddenly, they see in the sky the glow of that Star that had saved them: Our Lady was smiling at him.
Starting from the religious tradition, "La Madonna della Stella", named in honor of the legend, also highlights the folklore, culture and popular tradition of the place where the rite takes place, dropping the population of Palagiano and tourists in an atmosphere of joy, harmony, sharing and solidarity. The place of the legend, with the passage of time, has become a pilgrimage destination. Every year, on the second Saturday of October, the population moves to that place, a few kilometers from the sea and the town, to celebrate and relive moments of celebration, sharing and joy.
The climax and great anticipation is represented by the distribution of the “Tagghiarin”, the fettuccine topped with a very spicy chilli sauce.
Wagons with pots of pasta parade through the crowd eager to taste the ritual of the year.
Traditionally, instead of dishes, the use of prickly pear leaves, carefully washed and deprived of thorns, useful for tasting fettuccine.
Accompanied by the music band and fireworks, the statue of the Madonna della Stella, at the end of the distribution, returns to the country followed by all the faithful.
