Holy Week in Trani is a period of profound devotion and tradition, marked by rites and processions that engage the whole community.

One of the most evocative moments is the Processione Penitenziale della Madonna Addolorata, held during the night between Holy Thursday and Good Friday. At 3:00 am, the statue of the Sorrowful Virgin is carried out from the Church of Santa Teresa and taken through the streets of the historic center. The procession, wrapped in nocturnal silence, stops at several churches around the town, recalling the Mother's anguish as she searches for her Son. It comes to an end at dawn, when the statue returns to the church where it began.

On Good Friday evening, the Processione dei Misteri takes place: setting off from the Cathedral, the procession winds through the city's main streets, depicting the various stations of the Via Crucis with statues portraying the key moments of Christ's Passion. This procession draws the participation of numerous local confraternities and is distinguished by the presence of the Archbishop and the city's clergy.

Holy Week in Trani comes to a close with the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, during which the faithful gather to celebrate the Resurrezione di Cristo (Resurrection of Christ), welcoming the light of the Risen Lord with hymns and prayers.

These celebrations represent a moment of deep spirituality and tradition for the community of Trani.

La Festa del Santissimo Crocifisso di Colonna (Feast of the Holy Crucifix of Colonna) is a religious celebration deeply rooted in the tradition of Trani, held annually on 3rd May.

The origins of this feast date back to 1480, the year in which, according to legend, the wooden Crucifix kept in the Church of Santa Maria from Colonna was the object of a sacrilegious theft. The wrongdoers, after mutilating the statue's nose, threw it into the sea, but the Crucifix miraculously returned to shore — an event that strengthened the devotion of the people of Trani towards this sacred image.

The celebrations begin with a three-day period of preparation at the Santuario di Santa Maria di Colonna, marked by the recitation of the Holy Rosary and the celebration of Santa Messa (Holy Mass), while the high point of the festivities falls on 3rd May, the day of the solemnity itself.

The day opens with a morning Mass at the sanctuary, presided over by the Archbishop, with the participation of civil and military authorities, the city's clergy and the various confraternities.

Afterwards, the Crucifix is loaded onto a boat at the Lido A.N.M.I. and carried by sea to the Molo Santa Lucia.

Upon arrival, welcomed by a fireworks display, a procession follows through the streets of the city, ending at the Church of Santa Maria del Pozzo, where the sacred image remains on display for the veneration of the faithful until 9th May. 

The Festival dell'Arte Pirotecnica di Trani (Trani Pyrotechnic Art Festival) is a yearly event that transforms the town into a stage of lights and colour, attracting enthusiasts and curious visitors from all over Italy.

Usually held in June, the festival takes place in the evocative setting of Porta Vassalla, between the majestic cathedral and Trani's charming harbour. For five days, the town comes alive with breathtaking firework displays, performed by nationally and internationally renowned pyrotechnic masters.

Every evening offers unique displays in which fire, lights and colours reflect on the sea, creating a magical and evocative atmosphere.

Besides the evening shows, the festival also offers side events such as exhibitions, concerts and a dedicated street food area at Molo Santa Lucia, where visitors can sample local and international specialities.

The Festival dell'Arte Pirotecnica di Trani  is an unmissable occasion to experience intense emotions and discover the historical and cultural beauty of the town, offering an unforgettable experience for all participants. 

The Trani Tango Festival  is an event that celebrates the passion and elegance of Argentinian tango in the evocative setting of the city of Trani.

Generally held in July, the festival offers a week full of music, dance and culture, attracting enthusiasts and professionals from all over the world.

During the festival, participants have the opportunity to attend performances by internationally renowned masters, take part in lessons and workshops at various levels, and dance the night away at the evening milongas.

The streets and squares of Trani come alive with spontaneous performances, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.

In previous editions, the festival has hosted notable artists such as Miguel Angel Zotto and Daiana Guspero, recognised as among the best tango dancers in the world.

The presence of such prominent figures helps elevate the festival's prestige, making it an unmissable event for tango enthusiasts.

Calice di San Lorenzo (A glass of wine from San Lorenzo) is an annual food and wine event held in the heart of Trani's historic centre, typically on 9th and 10th August, coinciding with the night of San Lorenzo.

The event has established itself as one of the most eagerly awaited dates of the Trani summer, attracting thousands of visitors from all over Italy.

The event winds through the evocative Piazza Duomo, Piazza Monsignor Addazi, Piazza Sacra Regia Udienza and Piazza Trieste, offering a food and wine route that showcases the finest Apulian produce.

Over 30 wineries take part in the event, presenting more than 100 labels of fine wines. Alongside the wine tastings, there are stands run by local olive oil producers and food businesses, with show cooking sessions led by internationally renowned chefs. 

The evenings are enriched by live music performances, DJ sets and stargazing sessions, offering participants a multisensory experience.

Calice di San Lorenzo is an unmissable occasion for wine and food lovers, offering the chance to taste high-quality products in a historic and evocative setting, under Trani's starry sky. 

The Settimana Medioevale di Trani (Medieval week in Trani) is an annual event that transforms the town into a lively historical stage, recreating the atmosphere and events of the Middle Ages.

Organised by the Associazione Culturale Trani Tradizioni, the event's programme is always full of evocative highlights, such as the "Nox Templariorum" in Piazza Duomo, a reenactment in which the Templars face off against brigands and witches, offering a glimpse into the legends of the era; another striking reenactment is "Le Nozze di Re Manfredi" (The Wedding of King Manfred), depicting the meeting between King Manfred and Princess Helena Comnena.

Between displays of flag-bearers, medieval dances and Celtic music concerts, the event comes to a close with the dramatic Incendio al Castello Svevo (Swabian Castle on Fire), a fireworks display that lights up the Trani night sky, followed by a triumphant procession through the streets of the town. 

Since 2002, I Dialoghi di Trani (The Dialogues of Trani) has been a prominent cultural event on the Italian scene, offering a space for discussion on current affairs with particular attention to the Mediterranean area.

Promoted by the Associazione Culturale La Maria del Porto, in collaboration with the Regione Puglia and the Comune di Trani, the festival is held annually in the evocative setting of the city.

Each edition of the festival addresses a specific theme, encouraging reflection on subjects such as legality, justice, the environment and solidarity.

The festival's programme includes meetings with internationally renowned authors, journalists and intellectuals, as well as side events such as exhibitions, film screenings and workshops for children, known as Dialokids.

The events take place across some of Trani's most iconic locations, including the Cathedral, the Castello Svevo, Palazzo Beltrani and the Biblioteca Comunale.

I Dialoghi di Trani  offers a unique opportunity to explore topics of contemporary relevance, fostering dialogue and reflection in a setting rich in history and culture.

ORA! Fest is an international film festival dedicated to the environment, sustainability, young people and social justice.

Every year, the festival hosts premieres, renowned guests and a carefully curated selection of Italian and international films, both in and out of competition, with particular attention to debut and second feature films.

Besides the screenings, the festival offers workshops, talks and masterclasses with notable figures from the film industry.

ORA! Fest represents an important occasion to reflect on environmental and social issues through the universal language of cinema, while also offering opportunities for learning and professional development for both industry professionals and film enthusiasts.

During the Christmas period, the town of Trani transforms into an enchanting festive village thanks to the event Le Vie del Natale (The streets of Christmas).

The historic centre and other iconic areas come alive with more than 150 events, offering a rich calendar of shows, concerts, markets and activities for all ages. The initiative, promoted by the Comune di Trani (Town Hall of Trani) in collaboration with various local associations, aims to showcase the town's historical and architectural beauty, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere.

Among the most eagerly awaited events are the concerts of the Festival delle Bande Musicali, travelling performances and "Letture Interpretate" (Interpreted Readings) in the Jewish Quarter, offering Christmas tales and legends from Apulian tradition.

There is no shortage of activities for the little ones, such as creative workshops, Santa's house and magic shows.

The town's streets are also adorned with artistic illuminations, themed installations and Christmas markets, offering visitors an immersive experience in the magic of Christmas. 

During the Christmas period, the town of Trani transforms into an evocative path of faith and art thanks to the Tour dei Presepi (Nativity Scene Tour).

This tradition offers visitors the opportunity to admire various representations of the Nativity displayed in the historic churches of the old town. 

The route begins at the majestic Basilica Cattedrale, continuing through the churches of San Giovanni, San Donato, San Tommaso, Sant'Andrea, Miracolo Eucaristico, San Francesco, Santa Maria (SS. Medici), San Rocco, Madonna del Carmine, Ognissanti, Santa Teresa and San Nicoliello.

Each sacred site offers its own interpretation of the Nativity scene, reflecting different styles and sensibilities, yet united by the same spirit of devotion. 

Particularly noteworthy is the exhibition Ottocento Anni dal Presepe di Greccio (Eight Hundred Years Since the Nativity Scene of Greccio), set up in the crypt of Santa Maria (SS. Medici) by the Associazione Tranensis. This exhibition celebrates the 800th anniversary of the first Nativity scene, created by Saint Francis of Assisi, showcasing works by Trani's craftsmen who reinterpret the Nativity with skill and creativity.

The Tour dei Presepi  is not just a religious itinerary, but also an occasion to rediscover the architectural beauty of Trani, immersing oneself in the Christmas atmosphere that fills the streets of the old town, adorned with festive lights and decorations.