Sagra te lu Ranu Festival

The wheat festival in the heart of Salento

The Sagra te lu Ranu is the festival that every summer brings the rural memory of Merine, a small village in the municipality of Lizzanello, in the Province of Lecce, to the heart of the Salento peninsula. The name, in the local Salento dialect, means «Wheat Festival»: at the center of the event is «lu ranu», the wheat that symbolizes rural civilization and the deep bond between this community and its land. Now in its 32nd edition in 2026, the festival transforms the streets of Merine's historic center into a vibrant celebration, filled with the scents, flavors, and music of tradition.

Ranu stumpatu and Salento cuisine

The gastronomic heart of the festival is ranu stumpatu, wheat crushed according to the ancient rural technique, served at stalls managed by local community volunteers. Alongside it, visitors can enjoy the specialties of Lecce's cuisine: fave nette cu le cecore reste (fava bean purée with wild chicory), frisa 'ncapunata, pittule, muersi, pezzetti te cavallu (horse meat stew), and the essential orecchiette cu le rape, all paired with local wine and traditional desserts. These dishes are based on recipes handed down through generations, prepared with the voluntary participation of many of the town's inhabitants.

Folk music, pizzica, and crafts

The Sagra te lu Ranu is more than just food: every evening, the village squares and streets come alive with Salento folk music, pizzica and taranta performances, street artists, and entertainment for all ages. A large craft market featuring local products accompanies the festival route, offering the perfect opportunity to discover the trades and flavors of the region.

A festival of community and solidarity

Organized by the Patronal Feast and Sagra te lu Ranu Committee, linked to the San Giovanni Paolo II Parish of Merine and led by Father Luca Nestola, the event has a strong charitable focus: all proceeds are donated to charity and to support the local community. It is an event that blends tradition, popular faith, and conviviality, drawing thousands of visitors to Merine every July from across Salento and Puglia.