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Castel del Monte, Alberobello, Gargano and Tremiti Isles have been the tourist mainmasters of Apulia for years; recently, in the shade of their popularity, a new Apulia has grown quickly, with a new spirit of freedom. Finis Terrae (end of the land) and a starting point, all together.
Apulia has always been a passing through region and a land of reception, at the same time. In the past, foreigners used to arrive here for historical reasons, like the Crusades, or agricultural ones, like the transhumance of cattle and sheep. In more recent times, streams of visitors have come and changed some spots on the coast, not always for the best.
The innate attitude to hospitality of the Apulian inhabitants originated architectural archetypes: the “masserie” in the countryside (large farms), surrounded by a thick net of sheep-tracks and mule-tracks, fostered the passing through of people and animals.
Most of Apulian economy is still based on agriculture: a green ridge of olive groves and vineyards stretches along the region. Herds of cows are bred in the wild state, heedless of hot summers; they live in such a natural habitat that their milk is excellent and therefore used to produce a special kind of cheese, called “caciocavallo”, considered one of the best in Italy.
History has left indelible and precious marks, here. In Brindisi, old Via Appia, other Roman remains and Fascist buildings stand side by side.
All is mixed up, even the language: it is rather difficult to understand whether in Salento Greece people speak Italian or Greek.
Apulia is as white as the stone which embellishes its innumerable, radiating, small villages; it can only be compared to Dalmatia , not to any other place in the world.
Apulia is the silence of the early afternoon hours, a “siesta” which is typical of Southern Italy, but here it seems to be a distinguishing feature .
Silence is broken only by music: Taranta, an almost tribal dance originated in Salento and now danced everywhere.
At night in August, Taranta becomes a never-ending rhythm , from Taranto to Melpignano, a small town famous for its festival called “Notte della Taranta”. Crowds of people from other villages gather at Melpignano to dance until dawn.They all dance without a break…as if affected with Tarantism.
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23-03-09 — 30-05-09
Festival Internazionale del Gargano
Rodi Garganico, San Menaio, Vico del Gargano
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31-03-09 — 05-04-09
European Film Festival
Lecce
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15-04-09 — 30-04-09
Five Festival Sud System
Apricena, Monte Sant'Angelo, Orsara di Puglia
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02-08-09 — 09-08-09
Carpino Folk Festival
Carpino (FG)
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07-08-09 — 21-08-09
La Notte della Taranta
Calimera, Carpignano Salentino, Castrignano dei Greci, Corigliano d’Otranto, Cutrofiano
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21-08-09 — 31-08-09
Festival Internazionale Castel Dei Mondi
Andria (BA)
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Ferias offers the best villas with swimming pool, apartments, beach or country houses in the most evocative, extraordinary corners of Puglia.
High-quality lodgings, carefully selected and bookable on-line.
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