Borgo di Presicce in Mostra

A village turned into a theater

For nearly thirty years, Borgo di Presicce in Mostra has been one of the most anticipated cultural events of the Salento summer. Over two evenings, the historic center of Presicce, the ancient heart of the Presicce-Acquarica municipality in the province of Lecce, transforms into a sprawling stage: alleys, squares, courtyards, and the facades of noble palaces become the setting for an artistic journey that weaves together theater, music, visual arts, and local heritage. It is more than just a show; it is a way to rediscover one of the Borghi più belli d'Italia (Most Beautiful Villages of Italy) in a whole new light.

«Alla corte delle Fole»: the artistic journey

The format created for Presicce is titled «Alla corte delle Fole», an interactive, multi-stage theatrical itinerary that evokes the ancient Italian tradition of the Feast of Fools. Along the route, the audience encounters art installations, light displays, projections, mime, and dance-theater, while actors portraying famous Commedia dell'Arte masks appear unexpectedly on balconies, windows, and in courtyards. Static tableaux, musicians, singers, dancers, and street artists perform throughout the village, accompanied by sound effects and evocative lighting that suspend the historic center between dream and reality.

Architectural treasures opened for the occasion

A distinctive feature of the event is the extraordinary opening of historic buildings that are usually inaccessible. During these evenings, visitors can explore noble palaces, courtyard houses, hidden gardens, and the characteristic underground olive mills carved into the rock, which bear witness to Salento's rich olive oil tradition. Among the sites showcased is the architectural complex known as Casa Turrita. The event thus becomes a unique opportunity to combine live performance with heritage discovery, complemented by tastings of local traditional products.

Where and when

The festival takes place in the historic center of Presicce, centered around the squares and alleys of the ancient village. The events are concentrated over two summer evenings, between July and August, starting in the early evening and continuing late into the night. Admission is free, making the event particularly suitable for families, curious visitors, and fans of theater and site-specific art.

Organizers

The event is promoted by the Municipality of Presicce-Acquarica and produced by the companies Poiefola – Costruzioni Teatrali and Ragazzi di Via Malinconico Teatro, with the patronage of the Province of Lecce. Over the years, Borgo di Presicce in Mostra has become a benchmark for cultural tourism in lower Salento, attracting visitors from all over Puglia and beyond.