Friseddhre 'ncapunate Festival / Feast of the Madonna of September 8th

A celebration of Salento devotion and tradition

Every year, at the beginning of September, Magliano, a small village in the Municipality of Carmiano in the province of Lecce, gathers to honor its co-patron saints: the Madonna of September 8th (Maria Santissima Bambina) and Saint Vitus the Martyr. For a few days, the village comes alive with a blend of religious rites and secular festivities that attract worshippers, curious visitors, and food lovers from across Salento and Puglia.

The most anticipated moment is the procession to the ancient Chapel of the Madonna, located in the open countryside of the Bosco area, where the community gathers in prayer, including the evocative night vigil preceding the solemnity of September 8th.

The Friseddhre 'ncapunate Festival

The secular heart of the celebration is the Friseddhre 'ncapunate Festival, one of the few local festivals that is entirely free of charge. Established in the 1980s thanks to the efforts of local clergy and volunteers, the event has grown into a defining tradition for Magliano and the surrounding area.

The undisputed star is the frisa 'ncapunata (or friseddhra), the typical Apulian twice-baked bread, once a staple for Salento fishermen; it is soaked in water and topped with tomato, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and, if desired, anchovies and green olives. During the festival, volunteers distribute approximately 10,000 frise made of wheat and barley, accompanied by several hundred kilos of tomatoes and other local products.

• Free distribution of frise 'ncapunate in the Bosco area
• Option to leave a voluntary donation for charity
• Sweets and cotton candy for children
• Traditional games, such as the greasy pole

Music, shows, and secular program

Alongside the culinary offerings, the program features concerts, comedy shows, and evening entertainment in the square, often showcasing Salento musical groups, orchestras, and local artists. The Piazza degli Eroi in Magliano becomes the stage for the evening events, while the village streets are adorned with lights, stalls, and a festive atmosphere.

A signature event of Salento

The Feast of the Madonna of September 8th, combined with the Friseddhre 'ncapunate Festival, represents a genuine example of a Salento patronal feast, where religious and popular dimensions coexist naturally. The commitment to free access and the charitable purpose of the donations make it an event with strong community value, dedicated to preserving and passing on the gastronomic and devotional traditions of Magliano and Carmiano.