Artisan Ceramics Exhibition

The Salento ceramics festival in Cutrofiano

In the heart of the province of Lecce, in Salento, Cutrofiano carries its vocation in its very name: from the Greek kutra, meaning "vase," the town has been synonymous with terracotta and pottery for centuries. It is no coincidence that it is known as the "City of Ceramics," a title rooted in a tradition documented since Roman times and which flourished particularly during the Middle Ages. Every summer, this legacy comes alive in the Artisan Ceramics Exhibition, the town's signature event, which reaches its 54th edition in 2026.

A historic center turned into an open-air workshop

For eight August evenings, the streets and squares of Cutrofiano's historic center come alive with workshops, stalls, and stands where master ceramists work clay in front of the public. Plates, whistles, dolls, vases, and typical Salento pottery take shape before visitors' eyes, in a journey that combines a market, art exhibition, and live demonstrations. It follows the "widespread festival" formula: not just a single stage, but the entire town transformed into a showcase for craftsmanship.

The Ceramics Museum and exhibitions

The cultural heart of the event is the Ceramics Museum of Cutrofiano, located in Piazza Municipio, which extends its opening hours during the exhibition and hosts thematic displays, often centered on a theme that changes annually. Alongside the museum, the municipal library and the Ducal Palace host exhibitions, meetings, and art installations, while the squares become the setting for evening concerts, shows, and gastronomic events featuring typical Puglian products.

A tradition spanning over half a century

Founded in 1978, the Artisan Ceramics Exhibition is one of the oldest and most continuous events dedicated to ceramic craftsmanship in Puglia. Organized by the Municipality of Cutrofiano with the patronage of the Puglia Region and the Province of Lecce, it has become an identity-defining event for the entire Grecìa Salentina over the years, capable of attracting tourists and enthusiasts while telling an authentic piece of Salento's history and culture, evening after evening.

When it takes place

The event is traditionally held in the second week of August, with evenings starting in the late afternoon and continuing until night. In 2026, the event is scheduled from August 8th to 15th.