Capitanata communities preserve religious traditions and local history

Local communities in the Capitanata region of Italy are engaging in efforts to preserve religious and cultural heritage. In Orta Nova, an appeal has been launched to collect testimonies, photographs, and family stories regarding Marietta D’Agostino, known as ‘Marietta d’Orta Nova’. D’Agostino played a significant role in spreading the devotion to the Madonna dell’Altomare following a pilgrimage to Andria in 1916.

Parallel to these efforts to document historical figures, traditional celebrations continue to be observed. The feast of the Madonna del Rosario remains a significant event, featuring religious services, processions accompanied by local bands, and the traditional ‘incanto dei canestri’. These festivities serve as a link to the past, maintaining local dialects and communal memories through shared religious practice.