Maria del Popolo in Bici
The free family-friendly cycle tour accompanying the patronal feast of Surbo
About Maria del Popolo in Bici
A ride in honor of Surbo's patron saint
In Surbo, a small town in the Salento region near Lecce, devotion to Santa Maria del Popolo is expressed not only through processions and traditional religious rites: for some years now, the community has also been celebrating by pedaling. Maria del Popolo in Bici is a non-competitive cycle tour promoted by the Santa Maria del Popolo Parish, an event designed for families, children, and enthusiasts of all ages that transforms the town's streets into a long, colorful parade of bicycles.
A healthy lifestyle meets the feast
The idea behind the initiative is simple and generous: to combine the community spirit of the patronal feast with the promotion of healthy lifestyles through cycling. Participation is completely free and open to everyone, regardless of age or athletic ability. Speed and performance don't matter: we ride together, at a leisurely pace, to enjoy each other's company and rediscover the local area from a different perspective—from the saddle.
Refreshments, prizes, and community spirit
Along the route and at the finish line, participants find water and a generous snack, all while maintaining the playful atmosphere of a village festival. There is no shortage of special prizes awarded for the most original bike, the largest family, the oldest and youngest participants, the most vintage bicycle, and even the best entertainer along the way: small tokens of appreciation that invite everyone to participate with creativity and good humor.
An event supported by the Puglia Region
Maria del Popolo in Bici is one of the events supported by the Puglia Sports Events Notice of the Puglia Region, as part of the recognition of Puglia as the European Region of Sport 2026. This context adds value to an initiative born from the grassroots level, in a provincial parish, capable of weaving together religious tradition, social life, and gentle sport. For those visiting Salento during the days of the patronal feast of Surbo, it is an opportunity to experience the town not as a spectator but as a participant, surrounded by the people and their bicycles.
Maria del Popolo in Bici — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Maria del Popolo in Bici brought families, children, and cycling enthusiasts to the streets of Surbo for a morning of shared celebration, confirming the free and open-to-all formula that characterizes the initiative of the Santa Maria del Popolo Parish.
A morning in the saddle for the patron saint
The meeting point was at the parish oratory, the starting point of a non-competitive cycle tour designed for being together rather than racing. The event was part of the festivities in honor of Santa Maria del Popolo, combining the religious and community dimension of the patronal feast with the promotion of gentle sport and outdoor life.
Programme Maria del Popolo in Bici 2026
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
- 9:00 AM — Meeting and departure from the Santa Maria del Popolo Parish Oratory
- Non-competitive cycle tour along the streets of Surbo, suitable for families, children, and participants of all ages
- Refreshments with water and snacks for all registered participants
Special prizes
- Most original bike
- Largest family
- Oldest and youngest participant
- Most vintage bike
- Best entertainer along the route
Registration
Open from May 21 to 31 at the parish oratory. For information: Santa Maria del Popolo Parish, or Antonietta at 347 1341621.
Highlights Maria del Popolo in Bici 2026
Prices Maria del Popolo in Bici 2026
Practical information — Maria del Popolo in Bici
Where and when
The start is set at the Santa Maria del Popolo Oratory in Surbo (province of Lecce), from where the entire cycle tour begins. The event takes place in the morning, during the patronal festivities of Santa Maria del Popolo.
Registration and participation
Participation is free and open to all ages. Registration is collected in the days leading up to the event at the parish oratory. For information, you can contact the Santa Maria del Popolo Parish or the number dedicated to the organizers.
How to get there
Surbo is just a few kilometers from Lecce and is easily accessible by car from the Lecce-Brindisi highway. The Lecce train station is the most convenient reference point for those arriving by train, from where you can continue to Surbo by bus or car.
Tips
Bring your own bicycle in good condition, a helmet, and comfortable clothing. Since the route is also suitable for children, family participation is highly recommended.
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Where does it take place — Maria del Popolo in Bici
Oratorio parrocchiale Santa Maria del Popolo
Oratorio parrocchiale Santa Maria del Popolo, 73010 Surbo