It is an ancient and long-awaited feast by the inhabitants of Francavilla Fontana: the Patronal Festival in honour of « Maria Santissima della Fontana ». A feast that dates back to the same origins as the “Città degli Imperiali”. Precisely, when Philip the 1st of Angiò, the prince of Taranto, during a hunt in the land of Francavilla Fontana found a picture of the Virgin with the Child painted on a collapsed wall next to a fountain. As a sign of devotion, he had built a church, which was been dedicated to Saint Mary of the Fountain.

The civil and religious festivities during 3 days in mid-September are inspired by this historical context.

The feast of the «Madonna della Fontana» announces the end of summer. The city, bright and beautifully lit at night, is admired by locals and tourists; street concerts, shows and religious events liven up during these 3 days Francavilla Fontana.

The festivities after the summer have always been a source of spirituality, but also of entertainment, socialization and folklore. A perfect marriage between the sacred and the profane.