On July 2, the city of Matera, in Basilicata, celebrates its main annual festival: the Festa della Bruna, or the Festa della Madonna Bruna. Matera is famous for its ancient cave dwellings, known as Sassi, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site. There is evidence that people were living in the Sassi as early as the year 7000 BC and the caves are still used today, attracting thousands of tourists each year.

The Festa della Bruna is another example of Matera’s rich history, and dates back to 1389 upon the proposal of Pope Urban VI. The festival is a tribute to Matera’s patron saint and protectress, the Madonna della Bruna, and draws thousands of locals into the streets for a week-long celebration featuring fireworks, market stalls, traditional music, dancing and processions.