Fiera delle Cirase (Madonna della Consolazione Feast)

The Fiera delle Cirase, the heartbeat of spring in Leverano

In Leverano, a small town in the province of Lecce in the heart of Salento, the fourth Sunday of May is traditionally dedicated to the Fiera delle Cirase, known locally as the "Fiera ti li cirase". It is one of the most cherished local festivals, originating as a religious celebration in honor of the Madonna della Consolazione and growing over time into a major event for Apulian food and wine tourism, attracting visitors from across Salento and beyond.

Cherries take center stage

At the heart of the event are cherries, the iconic fruit of the Leverano countryside and the Salento spring. Stalls line the streets and squares of the historic center: alongside fresh fruit, you will find cherry-based products like jams and preserves, as well as other seasonal produce. Visitors can learn about cultivation techniques and discover the origins of these natural delicacies.

The religious celebration

The fair remains deeply rooted in its devotional origins: the festivities in honor of the Madonna della Consolazione mark the day with prayer and a procession, a tradition that has united the Leverano community in faith for generations.

The parade of carriages and horses

The most spectacular element is the parade of vintage horse-drawn carriages, which can feature up to fifty horses in total: a picturesque procession that winds through the town, bringing the world of Salento's rural civilization back to life. At the end, the best horse is awarded traditional sacks of oats.

The livestock fair and market

Running alongside the cherry festival is the livestock fair, featuring farm animals and poultry, accompanied by a large market that fills the town with all kinds of stalls. It is a vivid portrait of a village festival that weaves together commerce, agriculture, gastronomy, and devotion.

A Salento landmark

Included in the calendar of fairs and festivals of the Municipality of Leverano, in the province of Lecce and the Puglia region, the Fiera delle Cirase is much more than a food festival: it is a collective spring ritual that celebrates the fruits of the earth, tradition, and the identity of this Salento village.