Triumphal Chariot of Saint Oronzo

Each year, on the warm evenings of August, Turi lights up with faith and wonder as the Triumphal Carriage of Saint Oronzo makes its way through the town – the beating heart of the patronal feast. Nearly fifteen metres high, sumptuous and radiant, this giant of wood and iron seems to challenge the sky, carrying with it centuries of devotion and history.

Its origins date back to 1851, when the very first carriage was built. Since then, generation after generation, the community has rebuilt and preserved it as a sacred treasure.

Today, in its third version inaugurated in 1971, the Carriage continues to dominate the scene with its paintings, refined decorations, and the unmistakable silver bust of the Saint rising among the lights.

The most eagerly awaited moment comes on the evening of 26 August, when six mules, expertly guided, slowly draw the Carriage through the illuminated streets, while showers of confetti, band music, and applause accompany its passage.

It is a moment when time seems to stand still: tradition becomes spectacle, devotion becomes celebration, and the entire town gathers around its protector.

The Carriage is not only a monumental work of art, but also a symbol of identity, community, and shared memory.

To see it advance through the crowd is to witness a rite that unites past and present, telling, year after year, the most authentic soul of Turi.