Leverano in Fiore
The major international floral art event in the heart of Salento
About Leverano in Fiore
An open-air garden in the heart of Salento
Every year, towards the end of May, the historic center of Leverano, in the province of Lecce, dresses up in flowers and becomes a vast open-air garden. Leverano in Fiore is one of the most beloved and long-standing events in Salento: for over forty years, it has transformed alleys, squares, courtyards, and churches into a trail of floral installations that blends art, local territory, culture, and collective participation. The event stems from the town's deep-rooted vocation: Leverano is, in fact, one of Italy's primary floriculture hubs, with over 300 companies in the sector making it a true green heart of Puglia.
Arteflorando, the international floral art competition
The beating heart of the festival is Arteflorando, the prestigious international competition dedicated to contemporary floral art, organized with the Ivan Bergh Floral School and directed by Ivan Bergh. Each edition draws dozens of master florists from all over the world to Leverano, who compete before an international jury composed of some of the most important names in European floral design. Their compositions, authentic botanical sculptures, bring the village to life and are judged and awarded during the final evenings.
Music, entertainment, and the flavors of Salento
Leverano in Fiore is about more than just flowers. Throughout the event, the historic center is filled with live music echoing through Piazza Roma, Via Lunga, Via San Cosimo, and the Convent Cloister: live concerts, DJ sets, and performances ranging from jazz to blues, and from folk music to electronic. There is no shortage of video mapping, guided tours, workshops, excursions, and tastings curated by the Community Cooperative, as well as a large food area dedicated to Salento's gastronomic specialties.
A community celebration
Organized by the Leverano in Fiore Association with the Municipality of Leverano, and supported by the Lecce Chamber of Commerce and the Puglia Region, the event unites the entire Leverano community. Each year, a different theme guides the compositions and installations, providing a common thread that spans cultures, generations, and artistic languages. The result is an event capable of attracting thousands of visitors to the heart of the Salento peninsula, amidst the scents, colors, and shapes of a town that, for a few days, becomes entirely a flower.
Leverano in Fiore — edition 2026
The 43rd edition of Leverano in Fiore took place from May 29 to 31, 2026, with the theme "Connections," conceived as a thread that traverses cultures, generations, artistic languages, and human relationships. The historic center was transformed into an immersive trail where floral design engaged in dialogue with the community and the urban landscape.
The highlight was the international Arteflorando competition, dedicated to the theme "La Dolce Vita," featuring artists from over fifteen countries (Spain, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Poland, Kazakhstan, Croatia, Lithuania, Japan, Mexico, England, Ukraine, Estonia, and Latvia) as well as numerous Italian regions. The artistic direction was entrusted to Ivan Bergh, supported by an international jury.
Programme Leverano in Fiore 2026
Friday, May 29
- 15:00 — First round of the Arteflorando competition in the historic center
- 19:30 — Inauguration in Piazza Roma
- 20:00 — Alto Salento, folk tradition (Via Lunga)
- 20:00 — Alessandro Dell'Anna Jazz (Via San Cosimo)
- 21:00 — Screening of "1984, Storie e Pionieri leveranesi"
- 21:30 — Carla Petracchi & The Band.it (Piazza Roma)
Saturday, May 30
- 09:30 and 15:00 — 2nd and 3rd rounds of the Arteflorando competition
- 20:30 — Cool Plecs (Piazza Roma), V-ITA (Via Lunga), Alessandro Dell'Anna (Via San Cosimo)
- 22:30 — Giorgio Paladini DJ Set (Piazza Roma)
- Convent Cloister — Youth space with "A Morte l'Amore" and "Mundial"
Sunday, May 31
- 10:30 — Armonie in Fiore (Piazza Roma)
- 19:00 — DESTRO, electronic atmospheres
- 20:30 — Feedback Blues, GNU Duo, Paola Liaci Duo at various village locations
- Convent Cloister — Flowers Party and final DJ Set
Throughout the three days: 3D video mapping on the Clock Tower, guided tours and activities by the Community Cooperative, and a food area with Salento specialties.
Highlights Leverano in Fiore 2026
Prices Leverano in Fiore 2026
Practical information — Leverano in Fiore
How to get there
Leverano is located on the Salento peninsula, in the province of Lecce. By car, it can be reached via the SS 101 Lecce-Gallipoli road, taking the Leverano exit. The Leverano train station is served by Ferrovie del Sud Est, with connections from Lecce.
When
The event traditionally takes place over three days during the last weekend of May.
Admission
Access to the floral trail in the historic center is free. Some activities (workshops, tastings, excursions with the Community Cooperative) may require booking.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes to walk through the village alleys and plan to stay into the evening to enjoy the illuminated installations, concerts, and video mapping.
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Where does it take place — Leverano in Fiore
Centro storico di Leverano
Centro storico, 73045 Leverano