Festival dell’Aspide
The Festival dell’Aspide (Festival of the Asp) is an annual event held in the town of Spinazzola, Italy, on the last Sunday of May. The festival commemorates the town’s victory over a plague of snakes in the 16th century.
According to legend, in 1528, Spinazzola was overrun by a plague of snakes. The snakes were so numerous that they filled the streets and houses, and they killed many people. The townspeople were desperate, and they turned to their patron saint, Saint Vitalis, for help.
Saint Vitalis appeared to the people of Spinazzola and told them to build a statue of him and to carry it through the town. The people did as he said, and they carried the statue of Saint Vitalis through the streets. As they did so, the snakes all disappeared.
The people of Spinazzola were overjoyed, and they attributed their victory over the plague to Saint Vitalis. They built a shrine to him in the town square, and they began to celebrate the Festival dell’Aspide every year.
The Festival dell’Aspide is a colorful and lively event. It features a parade, fireworks, and traditional music and dancing. The highlight of the festival is the procession of the statue of Saint Vitalis through the streets of Spinazzola.
The Festival dell’Aspide is a reminder of the power of faith and the importance of unity. It is a celebration of the victory of good over evil, and it is a reminder of the importance of working together to overcome challenges.
History of the Festival
The Festival dell’Aspide was first held in 1528, shortly after the town was liberated from a plague of snakes. The festival was originally a religious event, and it was held to give thanks to Saint Vitalis for his intercession. Over the years, the festival has evolved into a more secular event, but it still retains its religious roots.
Events at the Festival
The Festival dell’Aspide is a three-day event that features a variety of activities, including:
* A parade: The parade is the highlight of the festival. It features floats, marching bands, and costumed participants.
* Fireworks: The fireworks display is a spectacular sight. It is held on the last night of the festival.
* Traditional music and dancing: The festival features a variety of traditional music and dancing. This includes folk music, tarantella dancing, and more.
* Food and drink: The festival offers a variety of food and drink options. This includes local specialties, such as orecchiette pasta and focaccia bread.
How to Get to the Festival
The Festival dell’Aspide is held in the town of Spinazzola, Italy. The town is located in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani, in the Puglia region of Italy.
To get to Spinazzola, you can take a train from Bari or from Foggia. The train ride takes about an hour. You can also take a bus from Bari or from Foggia. The bus ride takes about two hours.
Once you arrive in Spinazzola, you can walk to the festival site. The festival site is located in the town square.
Tips for Attending the Festival
If you are planning to attend the Festival dell’Aspide, here are a few tips:
* Arrive early: The festival is very popular, so it is important to arrive early to get a good spot.
* Wear comfortable shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes.
* Bring a hat and sunscreen: The festival is held in the sun, so it is important to protect yourself from the sun.
* Bring water: It is important to stay hydrated, so bring plenty of water with you.
* Be respectful: The Festival dell’Aspide is a religious event, so it is important to be respectful of the participants.
