Having a holiday in Puglia , and more specifically in Salento, a land between two seas (the Adriatic and the Ionian) means emerging yourself in an area steeped in history, art, culture and local traditions.
From the first inhabitants of the old caves to the Messapi, from the Greeks to the Arabs, the Swabians to the Normans, the historical centres, the palaces, the churches the rupestrian churches, the castles, the caves and grottos ( the famous deer paintings in Port Badisco, where legend has it that Enea landed) all of these bear witness to the rich culture of Salento, all of which have helped to make it unique. It's necessary only to go around the small centres of the “Grecia Salentina” ( the area of Salento where a type of ancient Greek, known as Griko is still spoken) the towns of Martano, Sternatia, Soleto, Calimera, Martignano, Castrignano dei Greci, Carpignano Salentino, Zollino, in order to feel the presence of the ancient Greeks.
The remains of Arab civilisations can be seen and felt in places like Otranto, Castro, Santa Cesarea and Santa Maria di Leuca, where the buildings preserve their Byzantine origins. The towers which are scattered along the coast line, are warnings of a more warlike past, the fear the people of Salento had for the ferocious Turks who half way through the 14th century sailed throughout the Mediterranean hunting for lands to conquer.
The Angevins, the Swabians and the Normans have also left highly visible traces of their presence, the most beautiful castles in Salento, that of Copertino ( the most imposing), that of Corigliano D'Otranto, of Gallipoli, Otranto, Acaja, Ugento and Tricase, along with many other minor ones scattered around the area.
A holiday in Salento does not mean just a holiday by the sea, it's much more, full of religious festivals, village feasts and cultural events.
Amongst the most important festivals include the Feast of s. Domenica in Scorrano which is held from the 5 th to 7 th July, the procession at the sea in honour of B.V. Maria in Castro which takes places on 12 th August, the feast held in honour of the 800 martyrs killed by the Turks in 1480, takes place in Otranto from 13 th to 15 th August, the festival of San Giuseppe in Copertino (the patron saint of aeroplanes, the protector of students and aviators) on 18 th September, to name only a few of the many.
The following events which are linked to local traditions should also be noted; Negroamaro, a cultural mixture of art, music, shows, theatre, cinema, and books which takes place in the month of July and August in several different places in Salento. Another interesting event is that of “le Tavole di San Giuseppe” (literally San Giuseppe's tables) where typical dishes are prepared for example “tagliatelle con ceci”(pasta with chickpeas) and then exhibited on special “tables”and offered to guests in honour of San Giuseppe which is celebrated on 19 th March, in several small towns throughout the area including Uggiano la Chiesa, Minervino di Lecce,and Giurdignano there is anevent known as “Cortili aperti”when large villas and houses of historical interest open their courtyards and gardens to the public. In Lecce it takes place in May and is known as Fior di Barocco, a flower show which takes place in the historical centre. In addition to this there is also “Premio Barocco” when recognition is given to a personality from sport or cinema, to someone who has made their name either in Italy or abroad, taking place in Gallipoli at the end of June. The
“Sagra della Municeddha”, is an historical feast which is held in Cannole, and it is where snails are prepared in various ways, it takes place from 10th to 14th July. The Melpignano Rock Festival is an ethnic mix of groups which takes place from 10th to 30th July; The “Mercatino del Gusto”is a gastronomical delight where typical dishes of Salento are prepared for four or five days, themed dinners all in collaboration with the Slowfood Movement of Maglie between July and August. The “l'Olio della poesia”, is a cultural iniziative which awards a prize to a personality from the world poetry, by giving them a quintal of oil. The “Notte della Taranta,” is a musical event in which artists from a variety of levels and genre take part, it is linked to the phenomena of tarantismo ( a belief in that women begin to dance furiously after being stung by a tarantula spider), it takes place the last week of August in Melpignno. Finally in December (13th to24th) at the ex- monastery “Teatini” in Lecce takes place the “la Fiera di santa Lucia”, an exbition of “statues and dolls” made in terra cotta or cartapesta( papier macché).
A holiday in Salento therefore means emerging yourself in the magical atmosphere of this land, which will make your holiday a unique one, one leaving you drunk on the smells, the tastes and the colours, leaving you with fond memories and the urge to return.