The grand showcase of entrepreneurship and excellence from Salento in Carmiano
Every year in June, Piazza del Tempo in Carmiano becomes the beating heart of Expo Salento, an event that brings together businesses, craftsmanship, art, and entertainment in one large exhibition space. Covering approximately 5,000 square meters, the fair hosts over a hundred companies from the region, social promotion associations, and Apulian production entities, with the stated goal of "building a system" and showcasing the Salento region in its entirety.
Organized by APS Salento, chaired by Marcello Quarta, the event is now a consolidated fixture in the summer calendar of the Municipality of Carmiano, in the province of Lecce, and is held under the patronage of the Province of Lecce.
The core of Expo Salento is the exhibition area, where artisans, entrepreneurs, and young local startups present products, services, and ideas. There are also moments dedicated to professional development, training, and innovation, such as the Work and Funding Day, an inaugural day designed to connect businesses, professionals, and new development opportunities. Alongside the stands, gastronomy and typical Salento products take center stage during the evenings.
Expo Salento is more than just a trade fair: every edition offers a rich entertainment program with live concerts, fashion shows, dance performances, swing evenings, and art exhibitions. The stage set up in the square hosts bands and shows that enliven the three evenings, while venues like the Fratelli Lumiรจre cinema-theater and the town's courtyards host artistic performances and installations.
An important part of the event is dedicated to solidarity and inclusion. Among the most significant initiatives is the Kindness Award (Premio Gentilezza), a recognition that celebrates acts and stories of generosity in the region, alongside speeches and testimonials that highlight the value of people and the community.
Located just a few kilometers from Lecce, Carmiano is a town in the Salento province that opens its squares and streets to thousands of visitors during Expo Salento. The event, with free admission, is an opportunity to discover the productive and creative soul of Salento and to enjoy three days of celebration amidst business, culture, and music.
The 2026 edition of Expo Salento confirmed the event's format with three days full of appointments in Piazza del Tempo in Carmiano. The exhibition area, set up over approximately 5,000 square meters, hosted over a hundred Salento companies, associations, and local entities. Opening the event on Friday, June 19, was the Work and Funding Day, the central event of the sixth edition dedicated to work, training, and development opportunities, with the participation of the President of the Province of Lecce, Fabio Tarantino. Alongside the stands, there was room for fashion shows, dance performances, swing evenings, art exhibitions, and social initiatives such as the Kindness Award.
Throughout all three days: exhibition area with over a hundred companies, art exhibitions, in-depth sessions, and solidarity initiatives such as the Kindness Award.
Expo Salento takes place in Piazza del Tempo and throughout the center of Carmiano (LE), including Corte Graziani, Galleria Rodari, and the Fratelli Lumiรจre cinema-theater.
Carmiano is located about 12 km from Lecce. By car, it can be reached via the SP4 and the main roads connecting the Salento capital; the nearest train station is in Lecce, which is well-connected to the rest of Puglia.
Access to the event and all shows is free.
The festival is usually held in June, featuring three days of events that keep the evenings lively until late.
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Piazza del Tempo
Piazza del Tempo, 73041 Carmiano