The Fanoja Festival returns to Vieste with its 14th edition, on March 15 and 2025, XNUMX, to renew a tradition deeply rooted in the culture of Southern Italy.
La Saint Joseph's Fanoja, a large bonfire lit in the squares and villages, is an ancient rite that has its origins in the most remote times. Symbol of purification and renewal, fire was once used to welcome the arrival of spring and drive away evil spirits. Even today, the fanoja represents a moment of celebration and sharing, an opportunity to rediscover the cultural roots of the territory through music, dance and live shows.
The festival will take place in two main locations: the nineteenth-century village and Piazza Marina Piccola, enlivening Vieste with a packed program of events that will combine tradition and entertainment.
Fanoja Festival 2025 Program
Friday 14th March – Borgo Ottocentesco
The first day will be dedicated to discovering local traditions, with activities for adults and children.
- 07:00 – Firecrackers fired
- 10:00 am – Educational installations and workshops with local schools
- 10:30 am – Opening of food and craft stands
- 17:00 pm – Free guided tour starting from Piazza Marina Piccola
- 17:00 pm – Performance by the Folk Group “Pizzeche & Muzzeche” and juggling show with ManuCircus
- 17:30 pm – Lucera Flag-wavers
- 19 Hours: 00 - Lighting of the Fanoja, the most awaited moment of the day
- 19:30 pm – Concert of the Sons of Puglia
- 20pm – Performance by the Folkambuli group
- 22pm – DJ Set with DJ Campix and DJ Blive
Saturday 15th March – Piazza Marina Piccola
The second day will feature street performances, folk music and the grand final event with the bonfire.
- 07:00 – Firecrackers fired
- 10:00 am – Guided tour of the city accompanied by the Molfetta Band
- 15:30 pm – Opening of food and craft stands
- 16:30 pm – “Dance & Queen” Show
- 17:00 pm – Carosello Folk, a journey into the traditional music of Gargano
- 18:30 pm – Fire show with artists from Lucera
- 19 Hours: 00 - Lighting of the Fanoja in Marina Piccola Square
- 19pm – Start of the show with Sud Folk and Dance Tarantella
- 00:00 – DJ Set with DJ Peko, DJ Iekko and DJ Mario Land & Friends
The Fanoja Lottery of Vieste
Also this year the festival will be accompanied by the Fanoja lottery, with the final draw on Saturday, March 15. The prizes up for grabs will include a PlayStation 5, a smartphone, a robot vacuum cleaner, an electric chainsaw, an air fryer and a shopping voucher worth 650 euros.
The Fanoja Festival is an unmissable event for those who want to immerse themselves in the traditions of Vieste and Gargano. An event that celebrates the bond with the past through music, folklore and the warmth of a fire that continues to burn in the heart of the community.
