Christmas in Taranto, Events and things to do

Christmas in Taranto

Christmas in Taranto 2024 symbolically begins on November 22, the day of the Feast of Saint Cecilia, with an event that combines tradition and music. At 3 am, the Lemma City of Taranto Band Complex passes through the city streets performing Christmas pastorals in honor of Saint Cecilia.

This nighttime ritual not only celebrates the patron saint of music, but also creates a moment of deep connection between citizens and visitors, marking the beginning of the festivities.

Spending time in Taranto during Christmas is an unforgettable experience, where the magic of the holidays is intertwined with a rich cultural tradition. Between traditional music, unique events and a welcoming atmosphere, this period is perfect for those who want to discover Christmas in Puglia in its most authentic form.

What to do at Christmas in Taranto

Tour of Taranto city center by rickshaw

€ 20

Book

Wine Tasting: tasting of 3 wines and typical Valle d'Itria products platter

€ 20

Book

Flight Experience: Laterza, Ginosa, Castellaneta and Temple of Hera

€ 144

Book

Pottery Wheel and Ceramic Decoration Course in Grottaglie

€ 75

Book

Christmas Events in Taranto

Nativity Scene Exhibition in Taranto: "The City and Christmas"

The Santa Maria della Scala Cultural Center in Taranto presents the 39th edition of the art collective and nativity scene exhibition, "The City and Christmas", a must-see event for lovers of Christmas traditions and art.

Exhibition Dates and Hours

The exhibition will be open from December 14, 2024, to January 7, 2025, with the following hours:

• Weekdays: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Holidays: 10:00 AM to 12:15 PM

This event is designed for all ages, offering the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit.

"The City and Christmas": A Tradition in Taranto

This art collective is an important tradition for Christmas in Taranto, showcasing unique nativity scenes created by local and national artists. Each work tells a story, blending art and spirituality into a moving experience. 

The nativity scene exhibition "The City and Christmas" is the perfect opportunity to rediscover the charm of Christmas traditions in the enchanting setting of the Santa Maria della Scala Cultural Center. This event offers a unique experience for the whole family, combining creativity and spirituality.

Sagra della Pettola Tarantina: An Event Not to Be Missed

On Saturday, December 7, starting at 7:00 PM, the first edition of the Sagra della Pettola Tarantina will take place. For approximately three hours, the Historic Center of Taranto will become a magical setting where Christmas traditions, local flavors, and culture come together to create a unique experience.

Pettola is a Christmas culinary product from Taranto that comes in the form of soft balls of fried dough (sweet or savory) typical of the local tradition.

Christmas Atmosphere in the Streets with Traditional Music

The event invites visitors to immerse themselves in the authentic Puglian Christmas spirit, accompanied by pastorals and traditional music performed by the Lemma Musical Association Band. The route will wind through participating venues, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Pettole: The Stars of the Sagra

During the event, you can enjoy a cone of sweet or savory pettole for the symbolic price of €2. This Tarantine delicacy is a staple of the local culinary tradition and perfect for enhancing the festive mood.

Wine Tasting: Primitivo di Manduria

The event will feature tastings by the Consorzio di Tutela del Primitivo di Manduria, showcasing different varieties of this renowned DOC wine, celebrated worldwide for its quality.

Evening Tours of the Hypogea: Green and Blue Tours

The Sagra della Pettola Tarantina also includes two fascinating evening tours of the Hypogea of Taranto:

• Green Tour: A captivating journey through ancient underground chambers.
• Blue Tour: Unique explorations with views of the Mar Grande.

These itineraries offer a special opportunity to discover Taranto’s rich history through its hidden treasures.

Feast of Saint Cecilia: A Symbol of Taranto Christmas

The Feast of Saint Cecilia is not only a religious event, but represents the soul of Taranto Christmas. It is a moment in which past and present merge, keeping centuries-old traditions alive.

The celebration of Saint Cecilia, patron saint of music, has its roots in the traditions of the shepherds of Abruzzo. During the transhumance, the shepherds arrived in Taranto accompanied by their flocks, bringing with them instruments such as bagpipes, shawms and horns.

Their melodies resounded in the alleys of the city, creating a unique atmosphere that is still proposed today with the same Christmas spirit.

Key Elements of the Feast of Saint Cecilia

• Traditional Music: The performed pastorals recall the ancient melodies of the shepherds.
• Rituals: The procession and culinary customs are integral parts of Taranto's identity.
• Popular Involvement: The entire community actively participates, making the event unique.

Christmas in Taranto: Beginning with Music and Sharing

The opening day of the Christmas holidays, November 22, continues with numerous events:

• Balconies in Celebration: Residents watch the musical performances from their balconies, creating a suggestive scene.
• Community Sharing: Pettole are offered to passersby in the entrances of apartment buildings, strengthening the sense of community.
• Evening Procession: At 6:00 PM, the statue of Santa Cecilia exits the Cathedral of San Cataldo, accompanied by confraternities, and proceeds through the streets of the Old City.

Pettole: The Taste of Taranto's Christmas Tradition

During the opening celebrations of the Christmas period, the Feast of Santa Cecilia, while the musical groups play Christmas melodies, the citizens of Taranto actively participate in the celebration by preparing Pettole, soft bread fritters typical of the local tradition.

• Origin of Pettole: Shepherds received food in exchange for their melodies. Pettole represent this gesture of sharing and giving.
• Delicious Variations: Pettole can be enjoyed with codfish, sugar, or cinnamon, offering both sweet and savory flavors.

Don't miss the first edition of the Sagra della Pettola Tarantina, an event that celebrates the traditions, delicious cuisine and rich history of Taranto. Save the date and an unforgettable evening awaits you, full of music, flavors and culture!

Experience Christmas in Taranto 2024

Christmas in Taranto 2024 offers an authentic experience where tradition, faith, and conviviality come together. The Feast of Santa Cecilia is just the beginning of a period rich in events and festivities that make Taranto an unmissable destination during the Christmas holidays.