San Rocco and the “Maru” Festival: a magical night in the heart of Salento
San Rocco and the “Maru” Festival: a magical night in the heart of Salento
In the heart of Salento, far from the coastline but rich in authenticity, Torrepaduli, a small hamlet of Ruffano, becomes the stage for one of Southern Italy’s most captivating and energetic folk festivals: the Feast of San Rocco and the Night of the “Maru”.
This is a celebration that blends faith, tradition, music, dance, and mysticism, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
San Rocco: devotion and popular faith
On August 15th and 16th, Torrepaduli honors its patron saint, San Rocco, protector of pilgrims and the sick. The town fills with faithful followers, processions, street vendors, and festive lights. The highlight is the procession of the saint, carried through the streets amid prayers and music, a moment charged with emotion and community spirit.
But it’s during the night between the 15th and 16th that something truly magical happens…
The Night of the “Maru”: pizzica, challenge, and trance
This is the legendary Night of the Maru, a unique folk tradition in Salento. In front of the small sanctuary, while the town is still celebrating, musicians and tambourine players gather to ignite the powerful rhythm of the “pizzica scherma”—a mock dueling dance performed with hands instead of knives.
Dancers face off in the center of a crowd that closes in around them, clapping and cheering. It’s a symbolic duel, a ritual born from ancient peasant culture, where rhythm, trance, and tradition collide in a breathtaking performance. A raw, powerful expression of identity and belonging.
An authentic experience for every traveler
The Feast of San Rocco and the Night of the Maru are not just religious events—they are living expressions of Salento’s cultural heritage. You don’t need to be religious to feel the energy. You just need curiosity, and a desire to discover the heart and soul of this land.
The perfect plan? Sail by day, celebrate by night
Spend the day sailing along Salento’s Ionian coast, relaxing in hidden coves and swimming in clear waters. Then, return to port in the late afternoon, enjoy a refreshing shower on board or at the marina, and head inland to Torrepaduli to immerse yourself in the night’s festivities.
It’s the perfect blend of sea and tradition, silence and rhythm—a unique way to experience Salento.
Want to experience Salento’s true spirit through sea and local culture? Join one of our sailing tours and dance to the rhythm of pizzica under the stars.
👉 www.rotteparallele.it
Enjoy a day of sea, relaxation, and the beauty of Taranto aboard our catamaran. Contact us for information and reservations!
For more details, email us at info@rotteparallele.it or call us at +39 351 5185410.
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