The Gargano, also known as “Sperone d’Italia”, is a sub-region of Italy that coincides with the homonymous mountain promontory that extends in the northern part of Puglia and corresponds to the eastern part of the Province of Foggia. It is entirely surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, except to the west where it borders the Tavoliere.
Together with Salento it is an important tourist center of the region and among the main ones in Italy. Its territory includes the Gargano National Park. Thanks to the variety and uniqueness of the race routes (Foresta Umbra, historical centers and coastal areas), numerous international orienteering competitions hosted. From 1 to 4 November 2012 hosted the national speleological meeting Spelaion 2012.
The most populous municipality of the Gargano is Manfredonia with about 60,000 inhabitants, the second largest municipality in terms of population is San Giovanni Rotondo with about 27,000 inhabitants.
Among the most important events we find:
- In the first ten days of August, the Carpino Folk Festival attracts thousands of tourists each year in search of their memories;
- In Vico del Gargano and San Menaio, in May, the International Festival of Gargano, a festival that hosts artists from all over Europe;
- Between the second half of July and the second half of August, the Tarantella Festival dedicated to the various forms of tarantella, instruments and voices of popular tradition;
- The “Carnevale Dauno” of Manfredonia among the major Italian carnivals with the famous parades of floats and groups;
- In July, the “Vieste Film Fest”;
- In the second half of July in Monte Sant’Angelo there is Festambientesud, the great party of Legambiente for Southern Italy;
- In the early days of August, in Mattinata, there is “The Night of the Faraglioni”, annual event with national protagonists of the entertainment world, and the delivery of the “Faraglioni Puglia Environment Award” to the personalities who have distinguished themselves for the protection and environmental protection;
- After August 15th “Suoni in Cava” in Apricena, jazz in the suggestive stone quarries;
- After mid-August “Little festival of the Junno district” in Monte Sant’Angelo, the festival on intangible heritage;
- Between the end of November and the first days of December, in correspondence with the opening of the olive harvesting season and the activities of the mills, there is the “Festa dell’Olio Nuovo” in Mattinata;
- In the first half of December, in several municipalities including San Giovanni Rotondo and Monte Sant’Angelo, the “DauniaPoesia” Festival takes place;
- In December, in Rignano Garganico, the traditional representation of the Sacred Nativity is renewed, with the Living Nativity;
- The “Holy Mass” of Holy Thursday and Good Friday Procession in Vico del Gargano and always in Vico del Gargano the “Valentinian Week” riding the San Valentino patron saint of the village;
- “The Meeting of the Tarantella Players” first week of August takes place in the historic center of Monte Sant’Angelo;
The Living Festival, a festival of art, music, literature and youth culture held at the end of July in Cagnano Varano and Ischitella.