Christmas in Taranto: festive lights, living nativity scenes, markets and the traditions of the season in the city of the two seas and the province's villages.
History
Christmas in Puglia has a special flavour, made of lights, scents and ancient traditions. In Taranto and the province's villages, the festive season transforms historic centres and squares, between illuminations, nativity scenes and the warm atmosphere of the Mediterranean winter.
What to see
The towns dress up in luminarie — festive light displays, an art in which Puglia excels — and the squares host Christmas markets with crafts, typical produce and gift ideas, including the famous Grottaglie ceramics.
Great space is given to nativity scenes: from the artistic ones set up in the churches to the evocative living nativity scenes staged in some villages, often set in natural scenery such as the ravines and the historic centres, recreating the Nativity with costumed figures and ancient crafts.
On the table arrive the traditional sweets: the pettole (fried, served sweet or savoury, typical of the Immaculate Conception), the cartellate, mostaccioli and almond sweets. And on Christmas Eve, the great protagonist is fish.
Did you know…
- The Puglian luminarie are a traditional art recognised worldwide.
- Pettole are traditionally made for the Immaculate Conception, on 8 December.
- Some villages stage living nativity scenes in the ravines and historic centres.
Practical information
| Hours | From early December to Epiphany. The dates of individual events change every year. |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Lights and nativity scenes generally free; some living nativity scenes may charge a ticket. |
| Accessibility | Variable: the markets in the squares are accessible, the living nativity scenes in the ravines less so. |
| Getting there | Events take place in Taranto and the province's villages. |
Tips for your visit
- Seek out the living nativity scenes in the villages: among the most evocative experiences.
- Taste the pettole, traditional of the Immaculate Conception season.
- The markets are great for buying ceramics and typical produce.