Among the moments most deeply imbued with piety and popular religiosity in Monopoli are undoubtedly the celebrations in honor of Saints Cosmas and Damian, which generally take place on the first weekend of June. The twin brothers, among the earliest Christian martyrs (killed in the 4th century during the persecutions of Diocletian), were physicians who practiced their profession without ever accepting payment, and for this reason were known as the “Anargyroi” (“those without silver”).

They are greatly venerated saints, as people have always turned to them to pray for healing or to ask for a grace in times of difficulty. This strong devotion is expressed publicly during the celebrations, especially in the two processions—on Saturday morning and Sunday evening—when the faithful carry large candles, whose size is proportional to the grace requested or received.

During the processions, despite the intense heat that usually marks the first weekend of June, many women take part wearing dark clothing and, even today, sometimes walking barefoot as a sign of penance and devotion. The deep popularity of the Holy Physicians is also testified by the large number of precious objects (rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and more) donated over the centuries by the faithful as ex votos, which today adorn their black, Spanish-style garments.

The statues of the Saints are kept in the Church of San Domenico, near the Carabinieri barracks, overlooking Piazza XX Settembre. This is also the seat of the Confraternity of San Cataldo, organizer of the solemn festivities, which are also dedicated to the Holy Bishop of Taranto. His gilded wooden statue is the first to be carried in procession to Largo Plebiscito, thus inaugurating the three days of celebration.