In the footsteps of the Arabs

Amidst the peaks of the highest village in Basilicata, Pietrapertosa, during the night of San Lorenzo on August 10 and 11, 2019, an Arab neighborhood comes to life.

This is the Arabata, highlighted each year by the event "Sulle tracce degli Arabi" (In the Footsteps of the Arabs). This event is considered one of the most important local events. It is the most anticipated and significant summer event organized by the Pro Loco Pietrapertosana in collaboration with the municipal administration, associations, and local tourism operators.

It commemorates Arab rule and the defense sustained by the inhabitants of Pietrapertosa. The Arabata district, the ancient heart of the village, pulsates with life. It is bathed in the Orient, filled with sounds, music, and colors, scents, markets, and harems, offering visitors an inebriating and immersive experience to be fully enjoyed. They can immerse themselves in exotic lights and fragrances, savor Arabic dishes and drinks, breathe in the scents, dance to captivating rhythms, and watch in awe at the performances of fakirs and fire-eaters.

A stroll through the neighborhood is full of excitement and entertainment, from culture to the captivating dances of the odalisques.

History tells us that in 838, the Saracens settled in Pietrapertosa, and from their fortress located approximately 1,100 meters above sea level on the majestic peaks of the Lucanian Dolomites, they controlled a vast territory for a long time.

Over time, the two cultures have merged, transforming from two identities into one, as evidenced by their customs, traditions, and architectural treasures, jealously guarded and treasured.

Even dialect and cuisine retain traces of this cultural blend, with foods featuring a richly spiced heart.