Easter Monday at Madonna di Montevergine (Return to the Earth)

On Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, in Arnesano, in the province of Lecce, the traditional Easter Monday at Madonna di Montevergine returned. As per centuries-old custom, the faithful went on a pilgrimage to the rural chapel for mass, while in the surrounding countryside, the convivial rite of 'fare lu riu' was renewed.

The Ritorno alla Terra association set up a large communal table along Via Madonna di Montevergine under the motto 'purtàti cu bui ca mangiati cu nui', featuring a simple market, a picnic area in the pine forest, community gardens, wild herb foraging, and pet therapy with animals. Musically, the day alternated between DJ sets and Salento folk music, with the Tamburellisti di Torrepaduli and a World Reggae section, in a free festival open to all.

The day opened with the traditional pilgrimage and masses at the rural chapel of Santa Maria di Montevergine.

The «Ritorno alla Terra» gathering

• Grand communal table in the countryside based on the motto «purtàti cu bui ca mangiati cu nui»
• Simple Market with artisanal and natural products
• Picnic area in the pine forest
• Pizzica and tambourine workshops
• Community gardens and wild herb foraging
• Pet therapy with animals

Music

DJ sets before and after the performance of the Tamburellisti di Torrepaduli, with the World Reggae section curated by Carlo Zakà Perrone.