On 29th May, day in which the patron Saint is celebrated, the streets are crowded with people gathering to watch the characteristic ‘Sfilata dei Turchi’ (Turks’ Parade).

Everything seems to stop to take part to this event that, being between history and legend, represents the main expression of the local popular culture. Tradition dates this event to 1111, when a group of Turks, guided by the Great Turk, docked on the shore of the Jonian Sea and entered the forest of Basilicata, reaching Potenza. With a providential intervention, S. Gerardo sent a flight of Angels to light the town, thus making the soldiers of Potenza able to defend themselves and putting the foreigners to flight, frightened by the supernatural apparition.

This legendary event has taken root in the minds of the people in Potenza who made it a ritual event, characterised by a parade in which several characters appear, among which, the Turks, the soldiers, the Great Turk, brought along in a carriage, and a chariot with the statue of S. Gerardo.