Cavalcata di Sant’Oronzo 2023

Cavalcata di Sant’Oronzo 2023 will take place between 25 and 27 of August, 2023, in Ostuni.

The Cavalcade of Saint Orontius, dedicated to the patron saint of the town, is the most important event in Ostuni, and is eagerly awaited every year by the locals.

SHORT HISTORY

The feast dates back to 1657, when a terrible plague struck the region of Apulia, but Ostuni was spared. The miracle was attributed to Saint Orontius, hence the devotion of the locals. The cavalcade was born in 1793, as a way of showing gratitude to the saint.

On this occasion, the statue of the Saint is escorted in procession by a group of knights on horses. The uniform of the knights is composed of a red tunic (in memory of the martyrdom of the saint), white trousers, and a cylindrical hat. The horses are covered by a red saddle cloth, decorated with mother-of-pearl buttons.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

On Friday, August 25, around 5.30 pm, the knights and their horses will gather in the historical center of Ostuni. Around 6.00 pm, the knights will receive the blessing. In the evening, a small parade will take place through the streets of the town.

On Saturday, August 26, around 10.00 am, a Mass will be held in the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. In the afternoon, the knights on horses will parade through the streets of the town towards the cathedral.

Around 6.00 pm, in Piazza Beato Giovanni Paolo II, in front of the cathedral, the knights will wait for the statue of the saint. The silver statue will then be carried on shoulders to the Sanctuary of Sant’Oronzo, located about two kilometers away from the town, on the slopes of Mount Morrone (Monte Morrone).

Around midnight, a fireworks display will take place.

On Sunday, August 27, around 6.00 pm, another parade will start in Piazza della Libertà. Around 8.00 pm, an award ceremony dedicated to the participants will be held in Piazza Italia.