And a sample of what we will be able to see under the lights, for the most awaited festival by the people of Matera, we appreciated during the presentation of the 2024 program with two artists on stilts “illuminated” by multicolored bulbs. Moving illuminations, by Milky&RoArtevents, which we will see along the route from the center to the Piccianello district, without forgetting the scenic lighting show for the inauguration of the triumphal chariot – on 23 June – organized and offered by Carlo Iuorno. And it is a part of the program contained in the dedicated publication, which you will find in the city in the points activated by the “Maria Santissima della Bruna” Association, where you can contribute to the Festival and try your luck by purchasing Lottery tickets. The news? The fireworks will once again take place, safely, in Murgia Timone while the procession of the Shepherds will unfold at the Piano, rather than in the Sassi where the safety issue and, in light of the many rules that regulate it, do not allow it to take place in the ancient districts. For the rest, it is appropriate to say, Celebration in the wake of tradition, the 635th edition of the festival in honor of the Patron Saint of Matera Maria Santissima della Bruna which links the sacred and the profane and with an additional motivation, to continue in the search for historical sources , with its candidacy as a UNESCO heritage site.
The confirmation came during the presentation of the program, illustrated by the president of the “Maria Santissima della Bruna” Association and by the archbishop’s delegate Don Francesco Di Marzio, and with the intervention of the municipal councilor for Tourism Tiziana D’Oppido, on the various organizational aspects that involve the institution, starting with the rides spread across the areas of the Lanera district in via Annibale di Francia (for children) and at Casino Dragone in the San Giacomo district (for adults). This year Matera residents and tourists will be able to appreciate the history of the festival – and in particular of the triumphal chariot – with a narration in dialect by the researcher of local traditions, Angelo Sarra. The appointment is set for June 19th, in the evening, in the Cathedral. On the 23rd the presentation to the city of the triumphal papier-mâché chariot, created by the artist Francesca Cascione, on the theme of the Gospel “At the breaking of the bread the disciples of Emmaus recognized him and said: Didn’t our heart burn in our chest while he conversed with us along the journey, when he explained the Scriptures to us?”. On July 2nd the most intense program with the succession of the various events of the Festival, which will begin in the morning with the so-called procession of the shepherds. It will wind through the city streets, with a small variation due to the construction of the intergenerational square, and the usual battery burning. At midday the procession with the statue of the Madonna della Bruna, escorted by knights in period costume, led by General Angelo Raffaele Tataranni, up to the Piccianello district from where in the evening the historical procession with the triumphal chariot will depart. Knights, clergy, Angels of the Chariot, police forces and many people will follow the progress of the chariot pulled by mules. After the “three tours of the cathedral” and the return of the Madonna to the Cathedral, the continuation of the papier-mâché artifact for the assault and “torn” by the people. The organisation, also in relation to the capacity of Piazza Vittorio Veneto and the needs of those who will not be able to reach it, has foreseen the installation of giant screens between Piazza Vittorio Veneto and Piazza San Francesco d’Assisi (where they are working hard to complete the works ), in the upper part of via Don Minzoni and at the intersection with via Fratelli Rosselli.
At midnight, after the music of the bands has finished, the fireworks show will take place in Murgia Timone. The president of the Maria Santissima della Bruna Association, Bruno Caiella, is satisfied with what has been implemented so far. “Organizing is an effort that requires the commitment of many,” he commented. We need to work in time, taking into account that the costs of the Festival have increased. They are around 700,000 euros, including the feast of Sant’Eustace. I thank the economic operators who responded to the requests for sponsorships and those who are close to and support the party. But I am waiting for the Basilicata Region, after having closed the 2023 contributions chapter last April, to approve the resolution for 2024″. After all, the accounts must balance and the president is right to remember his commitment…
