Festival of the Most Holy Crucifix

A devotion born from a miracle

The Festival of the Most Holy Crucifix is the most cherished event of the year in Monteroni di Lecce, a town in the province of Lecce in the heart of Salento. This devotion dates back to the 17th century, when a large statue of the Crucifix hung from the main architrave of the Mother Church; towards the middle of the century, during renovations, the image was moved to a Baroque-style Lecce stone altar, which remains a place of prayer to this day.

The deep bond between the town and its Crucifix was solidified in 1867: during a dramatic cholera epidemic, the desperate population carried the statue in procession through the streets, pleading for healing. The end of the contagion was attributed to a miracle of the Crucifix, and the community has paid tribute to it every year since. That same year, the clergy obtained an indulgence from Pope Pius IX to celebrate an annual solemn mass, fixed for the second Sunday of October.

Religious rites and procession

The spiritual heart of the festival remains the solemn procession that winds through the streets of Monteroni, preceded by a Holy Mass presided over by the Archbishop of Lecce. In recent years, the route has been expanded to include streets never before traversed, involving the entire town. The procession is accompanied by the hymn to the Crucifix, composed in 1921 by maestro De Santis with lyrics by Ercole Panico, and the notes of brass bands.

Illuminations, bands, and fireworks

True to the best tradition of Salento patronal feasts, the historic center is adorned with spectacular artistic illuminations, while the squares host prestigious brass band concerts and musical performances. The evenings conclude with grand fireworks displays. Monteroni di Lecce is part of the National Association of Cities of the Most Holy Crucifix: during the festival, the town welcomes mayors from Italian municipalities sharing the same devotion, in a twinning that strengthens the identity of the event.

Flavors of Salento and markets

Alongside the religious rites, the festival has for some years offered a rich secular program with the Sagra te la Patata Paccia, dedicated to Salento new potatoes served in every variation, from spiral fries to stuffed potatoes, alongside other local delicacies. The town streets also host a market fair and the Monteroni tra arte&gusto artisan market, featuring stalls, tastings, and local products. A festival that unites faith, folklore, and gastronomy, perfect for discovering the authentic soul of this corner of Salento.