Mid-August castle fire in Termoli

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Reenactment of the attack suffered by the Turks

Ferragosto, the most anticipated day of the summer season. Everyone on vacation between picnics, barbecues and hours spent at the beach. And this is where Molise’s Ferragosto ends, more precisely in Termoli, with theburning of the castle.

The northern waterfront crowded even in the early evening hours in anticipation of the event. This is a historical re-enactment, that of theattack suffered by the Turks.

The story behind the castle fire

In 1566, the Turks, led by Pialì Pasha, attacked the ancient village, putting it to the sword. The reason for the attack was strategic. The Turks, in fact, had set their sights on conquering the Tremiti Islands and wanted to secure complete cover so that no one could thwart them. Thus, from Pescara elle Apulian coast, they destroyed everything so that they had complete domination.

The Turkish attack was, moreover, aided by earthquakes that partially destroyed the city’s strong defensive walls. On August 2, 1566, therefore, the Turks landed with about two hundred galleys, destroying, burning (the most serious fire was that of the cathedral) and imprisoning those who could not escape. Many, however, managed to take refuge in the countryside between Termoli and Guglionesi. In these places were a convent of Capuchin friars and a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Victory.

The performance, for years, is where it was remembered with popular representations. Even today, there is still an annual pilgrimage from Termoli city to Our Lady at Lungo, also called Our Lady of Victory.

A striking event with which to end the most anticipated day of the Italian summer