Cibus Uxenti
A historical re-enactment of old-world Salento in the ancient village of Ugento
About Cibus Uxenti
Cibus Uxenti transforms the ancient village of Ugento, in the heart of the Salento region near Lecce, into a true time machine. For two evenings in August, around 150 performers in period costumes bring the daily life, crafts, and traditions of the Ugento people from the first half of the 20th century back to life along Via Salentina and in the historic courtyards. It is a guided journey through scenes of life, nursery rhymes, tastings of local products, regional wine, folk music, and pizzica: an authentic dive into the rural Salento of the past.
The Salento of yesteryear comes alive in the alleys of Ugento
Cibus Uxenti is one of the most evocative historical and gastronomic re-enactments in lower Salento. Every summer, for two evenings, the ancient village of Ugento (in the province of Lecce, Puglia) turns into a large open-air museum where time seems to step back nearly a century. The name combines the Latin cibus (food) with the city's ancient name, Uxentum, highlighting the deep bond between the territory and its cuisine.
A theatrical journey through history
The heart of the event is a guided, theatrical tour that winds along Via Salentina, through courtyard houses, narrow alleys, and the ancient residences of the historic center. About 150 costumed performers, led by guides in period attire, recreate scenes of daily life, ancient crafts, and the traditions of the Ugento people from the first half of the 20th century, in the years immediately following the war.
In the alleys, you will encounter children running barefoot, women busy with household chores, artisans at work, nursery rhymes, and storytellers: a living fresco that restores the rural and popular soul of the Salento of the past.
Food, wine, and pizzica
As the name suggests, gastronomy is the absolute star. Along the route, visitors can enjoy tastings of local products, paired with excellent regional wine, prepared according to traditional Salento recipes. There is also a craft market featuring local producers and performances of folk music and pizzica, which enliven the evenings with the overwhelming rhythms of Salento tradition.
- Guided tour through the courtyards and alleys of the ancient village
- About 150 performers in period costumes
- Tastings of local products and Salento wine
- Folk music, pizzica, and storytellers
- Craft market and local producers
A sustainable event
The event, organized by the Pro Loco Ugento e Marine, has been recognized as an Eco Festival by the Puglia Region for its commitment to environmental sustainability. Now in its eighth edition in 2026, Cibus Uxenti has become a staple of the Ugento summer, attracting visitors from all over Salento and beyond, united by the desire to rediscover the roots and authentic flavors of this land.
Cibus Uxenti — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Cibus Uxenti is scheduled for August 1st and 2nd in the ancient village of Ugento. Once again, Via Salentina and the historic courtyards of the old town will come alive with around 150 costumed performers, bringing the Salento of the early 20th century back to life through tastings of local products, regional wines, folk music, and pizzica.
Cibus Uxenti returns on August 1-2, 2026, in the ancient village of Ugento, in the province of Lecce. The event will feature its traditional guided, theatrical tour through the alleys and courtyards of the historic center, with about 150 performers in period costumes recreating scenes of daily life, ancient crafts, and the traditions of old Salento. Visitors can also enjoy tastings of local delicacies, regional wines, an artisan market, and performances of pizzica and folk music.
Programme Cibus Uxenti 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be announced by the Pro Loco Ugento e Marine in the weeks leading up to the event. The event confirms its well-tested formula: a guided evening tour through the courtyards of the ancient village, 20th-century life scenes performed by actors, tastings of typical products accompanied by local wine, a craft market, and evenings of folk music and pizzica.
Highlights Cibus Uxenti 2026
- Theatrical tour with about 150 costumed performers
- Tastings of typical products and Salento wine
- Folk music and pizzica
- Local craft market
Prices Cibus Uxenti 2026
Practical information — Cibus Uxenti
Where
Ancient village of Ugento, along Via Salentina and the courtyards of the historic center and Piazza San Vincenzo (province of Lecce, Puglia).
How to get there
By car: Ugento can be reached via the Statale 274 Salentina meridionale highway. The city is about 60 km from Lecce and 40 km from Gallipoli. By train: the nearest stations are in Casarano or Gallipoli, then continue by bus or taxi.
Hours and admission
The event takes place in the evening, from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM. Paid admission starting from 5.00 euros. For information and reservations, you can contact the Pro Loco Ugento e Marine or the Ugento Infopoint.
Tips
We recommend comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking along the paved alleys of the village. The event is particularly suitable for families.
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Where does it take place — Cibus Uxenti
Borgo Antico di Ugento e Piazza San Vincenzo
Via Salentina, 73059 Ugento