Miss Margherita Mare

The iconic beauty pageant of the salt-pan summer

Miss Margherita Mare is the longest-running and most beloved beauty pageant in Margherita di Savoia, the famous City of Salt overlooking the Adriatic in the Province of Barletta-Andria-Trani, Puglia. Every year, in the heart of summer, the central Piazza della Libertà transforms into a grand open-air stage for an evening of elegance, entertainment, and community celebration that draws thousands of residents and tourists alike.

A history spanning nearly thirty years

Miss Margherita Mare is a beautiful story of community. The event began as a simple evening organized among friends, with the idea of gifting the town free, high-quality summer entertainment. Year after year, the initiative has grown: first, entries arrived from neighboring towns, then from the entire region, and finally from all over Italy, turning the pageant into a true driver of tourism for the area. Leading the event as patron and talent scout is Nino Di Pace, who has always conducted castings and selections across the peninsula to curate the lineup of contestants.

How the evening unfolds

The format is the tried-and-tested one of major public beauty pageants: contestants take turns on stage in various rounds and categories, evaluated by a large jury composed of journalists, entrepreneurs, professionals, and local business owners. Between the fashion segments, the evening is punctuated by entertainment moments featuring musical guests, comedians, and performers, culminating in the final crowning of the new queen, chosen for her beauty, elegance, charm, and smile.

Part of the Margherita d'aMare program

Miss Margherita Mare is one of the highlights of the rich Margherita d'aMare summer program, the series of events through which the Municipality of Margherita di Savoia and the Pro Loco bring the season to life: from street artist festivals to local food fairs, and from major concerts to white nights. In this context, the pageant represents the most glamorous evening of the salt-pan summer.

Why it's worth attending

• Free admission in one of the most beautiful squares on the Apulian coast;
• An evening of entertainment suitable for the whole family, outdoors and under the stars;
• The authentic atmosphere of a local festival that has become a regional attraction;
• The perfect opportunity to discover Margherita di Savoia, its salt pans, its beaches, and its thermal baths.