Saint Anthony Festival

A centuries-old devotion in the heart of Grecìa Salentina

The Saint Anthony Festival is one of the most cherished events in the devotional calendar of Corigliano d'Otranto, a small town in the province of Lecce nestled in the heart of Grecìa Salentina, the area of Salento where the Griko language is still preserved. Every year, on June 13th, the town gathers around the figure of Saint Anthony of Padua, the "saint of miracles," one of the most beloved figures in Southern Italian popular devotion.

The Church of Madonna delle Grazie and the Saint's altar

The religious heart of the festival is the Church of Madonna delle Grazie, which houses a fine altar dedicated to Saint Anthony, created in 1797 by local priest Oronzo Rizzo as a tribute to the patron saint. This is where the Holy Mass in honor of Saint Anthony is celebrated, a central moment that brings together the faithful from the village and neighboring towns of the Grecìa area. Devotion to Anthony of Padua accompanies the community with the traditional blessing of bread, a symbol of charity and aid to the needy.

Secular celebrations in Piazza Vittoria

Once the liturgical part concludes, the festivities move outdoors to Piazza Vittoria, the town's green space shaded by holm oaks and overlooking the public gardens. Here, market stalls and food stands are set up, offering the chance to taste typical Salento cuisine, including local products, traditional sweets, and regional specialties. The atmosphere is that of a convivial and familiar Apulian village festival, blending religious observance with social gathering.

A village between a castle and Griko culture

The festival is also an opportunity to discover Corigliano d'Otranto and its iconic monument, the Castello de' Monti, a Renaissance fortress commissioned in the 15th century by the De' Monti family and now returned to the community as a cultural space known as the "Flying Castle." Located just a few kilometers from Lecce and the heart of Salento, the village preserves the Greek-Salento identity of this corner of Puglia, defined by its language, traditions, and popular devotion.

Why attend

• Experience an authentic patronal festival, far from mass tourism, in the heart of Grecìa Salentina.
• Attend Holy Mass in the historic Church of Madonna delle Grazie.
• Savor Salento gastronomy at the stalls in Piazza Vittoria.
• Discover the village and the striking Castello de' Monti.