The ultimate summer white night in Santa Cesarea Terme, featuring videomapping, traditional illuminations, and seaside charm
Notte Blu is the signature event of the summer in Santa Cesarea Terme, an elegant spa town in the province of Lecce, nestled in the heart of the Adriatic Salento. Launched in 2013 and growing in popularity every year, it has become a true 'white night' that draws thousands of visitors from across Puglia. For one evening, the village glows blue, and Via Roma, the seafront, and the Piazzale delle Terme turn into a sprawling, open-air stage.
The visual centerpiece of the event is the stunning videomapping projected onto the facade of the Mother Church, which illuminates the historic buildings of the center with light shows and moving imagery. Framing the scene are the traditional Salento-style illuminations—a quintessential feature of Puglian village festivals—which create arches of light along the streets.
Wandering through the alleys, visitors will encounter street performers, bubble shows, street bands, dance choreographies, and live performances, while exhibitions of local artwork bring the most picturesque corners of the village to life.
Notte Blu is also a grand celebration of local flavors: the street food area offers regional delicacies and craft beers, while Salento artisan markets showcase traditional creations along Via Roma. For the little ones, there is a funfair area, creative workshops, and activities for children, along with an astronomy area to observe the starry sky over the sea.
A unique feature of the evening is the opportunity for a nighttime visit to the Grotta Fetida, the famous sulfurous cave overlooking the sea, organized in collaboration with the Terme di Santa Cesarea. This evocative experience perfectly blends the village's thermal heritage with the festivities. Thanks to this mix of culture, entertainment, gastronomy, and nature, Notte Blu is considered one of the most anticipated events of the Salento summer, keeping the town buzzing until the early hours.
The date is confirmed: Notte Blu will take place on Sunday, July 26, 2026, in Santa Cesarea Terme, in the province of Lecce, as part of the official 'Santa Cesarea Experience 2026' summer program promoted by the Municipality between July and September. Among the events announced for the evening is the characteristic visit to the Grotta Fetida, the sulfurous cave by the sea, organized by the Terme di Santa Cesarea.
As per tradition, the historic center will transform into a grand white night with Salento-style illuminations, videomapping, street performers, a street food area, artisan markets, and family activities.
The detailed program and artistic line-up for the 2026 edition have not yet been published: they will be announced by the organizers in the weeks leading up to the event.
Based on previous editions, the evening is expected to include:
Santa Cesarea Terme is located on the Adriatic coast of Salento, in the province of Lecce. By car, it can be reached via the SS275 and the coastal roads connecting Otranto and Castro. The nearest train stations are in Maglie or Lecce, which are connected by local bus lines.
The event has free admission and takes place in the historic center, starting in the evening (approximately from 8:00 PM) and continuing until late at night. The streets of the center are closed to traffic; it is recommended to park in the designated areas and reach the center on foot.
For visits to the Grotta Fetida and activities related to the 'Santa Cesarea Experience' summer program, please visit the Info-Point on Via Roma. Due to the large crowds, arriving early is recommended.
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Centro storico di Santa Cesarea Terme
Via Roma, 73020 Santa Cesarea Terme