Macàre e Macarìe – Between History and Legend

A journey into the magical and mysterious Soleto

In Soleto, a small town in the Grecìa Salentina area of the Lecce province, the Macàre e Macarìe – Between History and Legend event transforms the historic center into a sprawling stage dedicated to the most mysterious soul of Salento. Organized by the Francesco M. Attanasi APS Association in collaboration with the Pro Loco Soleto and the Associazione Com'era Soleto, the event is an evening walking trail that begins at Porta San Vito and winds through the alleys, courtyards, and squares of the old town.

Who are the Macàre?

The Macàre are the protagonists of Salento's folk tradition: wise women, healers, and herbal experts, often mistaken for witches but in reality, guardians of apotropaic rituals, "signatures" against the evil eye, and knowledge linked to lunar phases. Macarìe, on the other hand, refers to the magic and spells that legend attributes to them. Tradition places their nightly gatherings at the foot of the famous Guglia di Raimondello Orsini, the Gothic tower that dominates the center of Soleto, fueling the town's fame as a magical place since the Middle Ages.

A path between spectacle and memory

Along the way, the public encounters figures from Salento culture, such as the astrologer and alchemist Matteo Tafuri and the mischievous little sprites known as Sciacùddhri. The route alternates between:

• itinerant street performances, illusionists, and fire-eaters;
• storytelling sessions and re-enactments of ancient legends;
• guided mini-tours to discover the town's monuments;
• live music in the squares;
• food stalls with local products and themed "potions".

Visitors receive an illustrated map of the route and special postcards to keep as a souvenir. The event is designed for adults, families, and curious visitors of all ages, with free admission.

An intangible heritage to rediscover

In recent years, the Grecìa Salentina territory has re-evaluated the figure of the macàra as intangible heritage, restoring her original role as a healer and connoisseur of natural energies. Macàre e Macarìe is part of this rediscovery journey, combining cultural enhancement, live entertainment, and the promotion of Soleto's historic center and its Grika traditions.