The Experience

When Easter gets close, Puglia starts with its traditions, processions, and above all, its kitchens. Long processions spread all over the little streets of the small towns, and kitchens start to cook for this joyful event.

With its stunning nature and number of picturesque towns, Puglia province provides one of the most authentic experiences of traditional Easter celebrations.

Join culinary historian Ursula and world-renowned photojournalist Manoocher on their sustainable farm estate in southern Italy to witness the historic festivities through food, photography, and celebrations.

During the week, you'll witness the ceremonies through your camera lens, learn to cook and savor historical cuisine from the region, and stay in a traditional Trullo typical of this region. 

This opportunity offers a unique view of the region's traditional Holy Week celebrations, from the eerie Quarantana to the moving "Processione della Desolata." This is a VAWAA you can't miss.

See the itinerary and details below.

Meet Culinary Historian Ursula

Ursula an archaeologist, author, and culinary historian. For years, Ursula worked on excavation projects in Syria, Turkey, and Egypt, where she learned about food in ancient times. Now she writes and teaches about the history of food and cooking in southern Italy, from antiquity to the Middle Ages to the early Modern Era.

Meet Photojournalist Manoocher 

Manoocher is an award-winning photographer and photojournalist. He started photographing the revolution in his native Iran, and he has been documenting news, conflicts, and social and environmental issues around the globe ever since. Featured in publications ranging from Newsweek to National Geographic, Manoocher’s photography has helped tell the story of world events for over 40 years.

The Itinerary

Wednesday, April 5
Arrival and Welcome Dinner.

Thursday, April 6
Morning: We’ll start the day with a photo-sharing session. You will share a small collection of your photographs – amateur or professional – and Manoocher will provide tips on how to get camera ready for the week.

Lunch: Historical Maundy Thursday lunch based on wild herbs ("Green Thursday“)

Evening: We’ll head to Noicattaro to see the Maundy Thursday rites. It is a Penitential procession of the crucifiers where men are dressed in black clothes, face covered, in chains and carrying crosses, and light a giant bonfire.

Friday, April 7
Morning: We’ll review and discuss photos from the previous day.

Lunch: Traditional Holy Friday vegetarian lunch.

Evening 7pm: We’ll head to Alberobello, the famous trulli town and UNESCO World Heritage Site to witness Passione Vivente (life passion). More than 200 crowd actors move around a natural stage made of stone and olive trees, and then through the streets, giving voice to the Gospels. A classic of Apulian Easter, it draws in thousands of believers and visitors from every corner of Italy, poised between myth, mystique and faith.

Saturday, April 8
Holy Saturday morning: This will be a big day in Canosa to see Processione della: a procession where hundreds of women dressed in black, their faces veiled, commemorate the sufferings of Mary, Christ's mother.

Easter Eve: We’ll return to Martina Franca for Il Sparo della Quarantena celebrations: On this evening the Quarantana (lent witch) is burned, marking the end of lent. Dinner: We’ll go out for one of the best local wood-oven baked pizza.

Sunday, April 9
Easter Sunday is a day of celebration within the family, which is spent eating and drinking throughout the day. We will cook together and share a traditional Easter lunch.

Monday, April 10
Morning – Afternoon: On Easter Monday (Pasquetta), literally everybody is outdoors for a traditional, sumptuous Pasquetta lunch. Ursula will prepare a medieval feast with you and give an introduction into medieval cooking, with possibilities for food photography.

Evening: We’ll gather with wine and snacks to review everyone’s photos and stories from the experience. 

Tuesday, April 11
Departure and Goodbyes.

Reviews

"It was an amazing experience. I’m so happy that I had the chance to photograph the Holy Week processions, such a unique experience. Puglia is also such a beautiful region, it’s great to visit so many different towns. The workshop sessions with Manoocher are very insightful as well. Ursula prepared amazing food. They are both friendly and knowledgeable, and dinner conversations were always very enjoyable." – VAWAA guest, Chenyun.

Payment Option: You can reserve a spot with a 35% deposit ($960) and the remaining will be due by February 1, 2023. See below for details and link to book.