DECEMBER

Tuesday 6th - Thursday 8th December 
Christmas Market: Forenza (Potenza)
Selling decorations and festive gifts, as well as local and traditional food and drinks

Thursday 8th December
Melfi: Tradizione delle Pannedduzze  
The 8th December is a public holiday in Italy, being the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. In Melfi they honour this event by distributing small loaves of unleavened bread during Mass.  

Thursday 8th December - 8th January 2012
Nativity Exhibitions: Matera
Throughout December and the beginning of January, Matera will play host to a number of Christmas events, these will include, street markets, drama performances, entertainers, concerts, art exhibitions and a living nativity (27th-30th Dec).

Thursday 15th December
Festival of Pettole: Montescaglioso (Matera)
This festival celebrates the ancient recipe of Pettole, made basically from flour, water, salt and yeast. The ingredients are made into balls and fried until golden brown. The technique and recipe of which, is a closely guarded secret passed down from mother to daughter over generations. 
 
Friday 24th - Tuesday 28th December
Pisticci: Natale Vivente - Living Christmas
From the 24th to the 29th December, the town of Pisticci is a hub of activity - the entire town is filled with cribs and spectacular decorations to Celebrate the birth of Christ. 

Friday 24th December - 6th January 2012
Christmas Bonfire: Nemoli
In the town square of Nemoli a 5 meter high bonfire is lit on evening of 24th December, which is kept permanently alight for 15 days, during this time there is music, entertainment and food and drink being sold.