Historical Cavalcade and Incoronata Fair

The Historical Cavalcade and Incoronata Fair

In the heart of Salento, the Historical Cavalcade and Incoronata Fair is one of the most evocative events of the summer in Nardò, a Baroque city in the province of Lecce, Apulia. For two days in July, the historic center of Nardò turns into a grand open-air stage where history, tradition, and collective participation blend into a single visual narrative. Processions in period costumes, colorful flags, music, and performances transport visitors back in time through the streets and squares of the old town.

A dive into the Renaissance of Nardò

The event is a true Renaissance re-enactment: the historical procession takes shape from the Castello Acquaviva and, featuring nobles, knights, ladies, musicians, and dancers, winds its way along the main streets until it reaches the spectacular Piazza Salandra. Here, flag-wavers and drummers perform, alongside falconry displays, jesters, fire-eaters, and jugglers, while markets, period encampments, and exhibitions reconstructing the life, trades, and atmosphere of centuries past are set up along the route.

The origins: the ancient Incoronata Fair

The Cavalcade is rooted in one of the most significant chapters of the city's history: the Incoronata Fair, which tradition traces back as far as 1397. In the original ceremony, the chamberlain, together with the mayor of the nobles and representatives of the four city districts—Castello, San Paolo, San Salvatore, and Sant'Angelo—would march in a procession from the university palace to the bishop's palace, accompanied by the solemn sound of drums and trumpets. The bishop would bless the banners and hand them to the districts, then pass the scepter to the Magister Nundinarum, the Master of the Market, who would issue the edict for the opening of the fair. It is this memory that the organizers restore to the community every year.

The program: processions, flag-wavers, and falconry

The heart of the festival ignites after sunset: from the early afternoon, historical markets, artisan workshops, siege engine displays, and bird of prey exhibitions open, while in the evening, the procession reaches Piazza Salandra around 9:00 PM. After the arrival of the procession, the square comes alive with grand celebrations, theatrical shows, street performer acts, and pyrotechnic displays. There are also thematic re-enactments linked to the Acquaviva d'Aragona family and the famous "Guercio" Giangirolamo II, lords who left their mark on the history of Nardò.

Nardò, a Baroque city in Salento

Attending the Cavalcade is also the perfect opportunity to discover Nardò, a jewel of Lecce Baroque with its splendid Piazza Salandra, the Immaculate Spire, the Cathedral, and the dense network of alleys in the historic center. The event, promoted by the Municipality of Nardò with the Department of Culture, the Culture Council, and the Amici Museo Porta Falsa Association, is free to enter and represents a moment of strong identity for the entire Nardò community and the many visitors who reach Salento every summer.