The patron saint of Rutigliano is Saint Nicholas of Bari, celebrated on 6 December in the Church of Santa Maria della Colonna e San Nicola. The town's co-patron is the Virgin of Mount Carmel, solemnly celebrated every 16 July; since the mid-20th century, the same church has also been the seat of devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague, once venerated in the crypt below. Another deeply felt feast is that of the Holy Crucifix, on 14 September.
Every 17 January, for the liturgical feast of Saint Anthony Abbot, the traditional terracotta Whistle Fair «Città di Rutigliano» is held, dedicated to the town's famous terracotta whistles. The town also holds the Norman Tower and the Whistle Museum.
