Brindisi celebrates patron saints with maritime races and medieval reenactments

The city of Brindisi is hosting a series of cultural and religious celebrations centered on its patron saints, Teodoro d’Amasea and Lorenzo. The festivities include the 31st edition of the Palio dell’Arca di San Teodoro, a traditional rowing competition held in the waters near Scalinata Virgilio. This event reenacts the legend of the recovery of the saint's relics through a relay race involving traditional fishing boats known as ‘schifariedi’.

In addition to the maritime traditions, the city is observing the patronal feasts with religious processions and masses at the Sanctuary of Santa Maria degli Angeli and the Basilica Cathedral. The celebrations also feature the Medieval Fest at the Casa del Turista archaeological area. This event includes historical reenactments and theatrical performances, such as a play based on the 1310 trial of two Knights Templar members, Giovanni da Neritone and Ugo de Samaya, accompanied by period-appropriate music.