🔔 The Italian Almanac

March 29

Stories and curiosities for March 29, from the Italy of a thousand bell towers.

No story for this day yet: here are the towns celebrating and the village of the day.

🎉 Celebrations today in…

Patron saint festival In 153 days 📍 Santa Maria a Monte

Blessed Diana Giuntini, patron of the land of the «patatai»

📅 Every year, on Easter Monday; around August the Sagra della Patata Fritta fried potato fair is held

Santa Maria a Monte celebrates Blessed Diana Giuntini, born in the town in 1287 and who died before 1327, on Easter Monday. Her beatification is considered a product of popular devotion. Each year, around August, the town holds the Sagra della Patata Fritta, a fried potato festival, and its residents are nicknamed «patatai».

Patron saint festival In 153 days 📍 Carovigno

Our Lady of Belvedere, patroness of the Battitura della Nzegna

📅 Every year, on the Monday, Tuesday and Saturday after Easter, with the Battitura della Nzegna

Carovigno celebrates Our Lady of Belvedere on the Monday, Tuesday and Saturday after Easter, with the age-old tradition of the Battitura della Nzegna; Saints James and Philip are co-patrons, celebrated on 17 August.

Patron saint festival In 153 days 📍 Spezzano Albanese

Our Lady of Grace, patron of the Horse Race

📅 Every year, on the Tuesday after Easter; the Carnival brings the striking Horse Race

Spezzano Albanese celebrates Our Lady of Grace on the Tuesday after Easter (Pashkët), in the shrine dedicated to her. Also striking is the Carnival of Spezzano Albanese, a community of Arbëresh origin, with the traditional «Horse Race».