Feast of San Martino in Martina Franca
In the first week of July we celebrate the patron saint of Martina Franca
The name of the city is dedicated to the patron saint San Martino, celebrated on November 11 and the first Sunday of July. Tradition has it that the saint is often going to the aid of citizens, protecting them on several occasions by the barbarian invasions and the assault of the enemy. For a historical episode of the sixteenth century was associated with this aid the legend of St. Martin. In February 1529 a trained army, under the command of Marquis of Vasto, equipped with a strong artillery, with 4000 Spanish soldiers, 2000 Italian and numerous mercenaries, He began to besiege Monopoli remained faithful in Venice and France. The city resisted heroically well protected by the mighty armies walls of big guns. The siege dragged on unnecessarily for over three months with many casualties among the attackers. Due to the scarcity of food, of money and numerous defections that were beginning to appear among Italians, some nervousness spread among the mercenary troops commanded by the notorious Fabrizio Maramaldo; these, under the command of 3000 men, He turned first against Nuts sacking, Finally against Martina Franca, in the hope of a quick and rich booty. The strike does not, however, had the effect hoped for: Also in this case the population is entrenched in the city and defended with great heroism, also well supported by women and with the active participation of numerous and skilled hunters. After a number of futile attempts the Maramaldo resigned himself to go under the walls of Monopoli, from which it had to permanently remove the 28 May 1529 Armata along the Marquis of Vasto. The tradition Martina wants the Maramaldo abandon the siege of Martina terrified by the appearance, the city walls, the legions of terrible horsemen commanded by San Martin on horseback and with his sword drawn.
During the three days of celebration it is organized a big fair and the city dresses up in the colors of the rides.