26 Aug 2015
Masseria Petrarolo Celebrates Annual Festival on 8 September 2015
Rich with culture and centuries-old tradition, Puglia is an Italian region that knows how to party. From carnivals to concerts, parades to festivals, there's a whole host of annual events taking place within easy reach of Masseria Petrarolo.
Not only this, but every year on 8 September the Masseria turns itself into the festival with 300 locals gathering for an evening full of religion and tradition; an event which has been going for decades. The festival begins with a religious ceremony and candlelit procession from the chapel in the Masseria's grounds down to the Madonna in the village, followed by much merriment with music, food and fireworks. A remarkably charming event for the local community.
Further afield in Puglia, there are numerous festivals throughout the year. The Apulian year starts in style with Il Carnevale di Putignano, one of the oldest and longest carnivals in the world. Beginning on Boxing Day and lasting around two months, the carnival celebrates the movement of the relics of Santo Stefano from Monopoli to Putignano in 1394. Masked dances, concerts, parades and weekly parties pepper the celebratory period, culminating in a grand parade involving floats, music, food and entertainers on Shrove Tuesday.
Easter is, unsurprisingly, a time of religious celebration with many towns and villages holding processions such as La Processione dei Crociferi on Maundy Thursday in Noicattaro, and La Settimana Santa over the Easter Weekend in Gallipoli.
Then, as spring turns to summer, food and wine festivals abound, with highlights including the fabulous San Pietro e Paolo festival in Otranto, and the Negroamaro Wine Festival in Brindisi. While events revolving around patron saints including La Cavalcata di Sant'Oronzo in Ostuni and Fiera di Sant' Oronzo in Lecce provide ample interest for anyone looking for an insight into Southern Italy's traditions and culture.
Summer in Puglia is filled with musical events such as a 10-day Locomotive Jazz Festival in Salento, the classical Festival della Valle d'Itria in Martina Franca and a 3-day Jazz Festival in Otranto Castle among others. Whilst, in recent years, La Notte della Taranta in Salento, has helped turn Puglia into a fashionable dance destination, with international DJs and revellers flying in to dance to fast-paced, trance-like and folk-rooted pizzica music.
As autumn and winter approach, it's time to cosy down at Masseria Petrarolo, bringing back delicious wines and delicacies from the gastronomic festivals that pepper the season. Or visit at end of the year to experience an authentic Italian Christmas, enjoying religious celebrations and visiting markets selling traditional festive delicacies, crafts and gifts.
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Set on a 75 acre estate only a few miles from the Adriatic coast, Masseria Petrarolo is a stunning 17th century farmhouse converted into an exquisite modern retreat. Sleeping up to 16, the Masseria has eight en-suite bedrooms (including one with an outdoor bathtub), three kitchens, a hammam, children's play area, drawing room and dining room. Outside, the property is surrounded by picturesque olive and almond groves, and is home to a restored Airstream caravan, small chapel and herb garden. The Masseria is staffed and a private chef is available on request.
Masseria Petrarolo sleeps up to 16 people and costs from €11,500 per week.
For further press information please contact: Cedar Tree Public Relations Ltd
Frangelica Flook frangelica.flook@cedartreepr.com
Henrietta Quicke henrietta.quicke@cedartreepr.com
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