A religious and historical celebration dating from the mid 12th century, when Saint Louis returning from the 6th crusade, shipwrecked off Brindisi and swam ashore. The Bishop on a white horse, surrounded by his entourage of knights, parades the Blessed Sacrament through the city, leading the procession through the town and to the beach. The Bishop dismounts and blesses the sea and the procession then winds back to the centre of the city. The celebrations continue with fireworks and light shows.
21st - Calimera : Lamp Festa
Summer Solstice, these celebrations are held in honour of light on the longest day of the year. The local "calimeresi" make lamps in a huge variety of shapes form materials such as reeds and coloured tissue paper. The lamps, which can include stars, ships, planes, horses etc. are hung along the streets in the old town and look spectacular when they are lit. Other events and a food sagra are held during this two day festa.
23rd - Ostuni : La Notta di San Giovanni
A night of mystery and magic set in and around the Centro Storico di Ostuni where the ancient buildings cast unique shadows and the witches come out to play.
The old town of Ostuni, with its lights and shadows, and the medieval walls that encircle the old town, filled with atmosphere, make it well suited to remember the Night of Saint John.
The tradition is celebrated on the night of the solstice with popular street theatre performances that trace the major themes of music, superstition and mystery. On this night, according to ancient belief, the sun marries the moon and with this marriage healing energies are poured on the ground and especially on grass wet with dew which turns into a powerful medicine "to cure all manner of skin diseases". The legend of the night of St. John tells us that at this particular moment astral witches gather to perform their magic.
29th - Galatina : "Taranta"
A festival paying tribute to Saint Peter and Saint Paul.
June to September - Lecce
Throughout the summer Lecce hosts a number of free events including concerts, comedy, theatre, dance etc. More information will be available from Lecce Tourist Info or in the magazine Qui Salento.
