Saint Mary Magdalene Festival

The 2025 Saint Mary Magdalene Festival in Melpignano

The 2025 edition of the Saint Mary Magdalene Festival took place from July 21st to 23rd, with the main day being July 22nd, the liturgical feast of the Saint. In Melpignano, in the heart of Grecìa Salentina in the province of Lecce, the days combined religious and civil dimensions.

On the evening of July 21st, around 8:00 PM, the solemn procession departed from the Saint's Chapel, carrying the statue of Saint Mary Magdalene along with the statue of Saint George the Martyr, accompanied by a brass band along streets decorated with light displays. The festival continued with firework displays, the traditional Watermelon Festival, and live music in Piazza San Giorgio, confirming the strong bond between the Melpignano community and its co-patron.

July 21st — Eve

• From the early morning: grand brass band concert "Città di Lecce", conducted by Maestro Paolo Addesso.
• Around 8:00 PM — Solemn procession from the Saint's Chapel with the statues of Saint Mary Magdalene and Saint George the Martyr through the village streets.
• At the end of the procession — Spectacular pyro-musical firework display (for the first time in Melpignano) and traditional Watermelon Festival offered by the festival committee.
• 9:30 PM — Show by the band Sesto Senso with 70s-80s music.

July 22nd — Liturgical Feast

• Piazza San Giorgio illuminated by the light displays from the Mariano Light company of Corigliano d'Otranto.
• Brass band concerts by the bands "Città di Racale" (Maestro Grazia Donadeo) and "Città di Squinzano" (Maestro Rocco Lacanfora).
• Solemn Eucharistic celebration and grand evening firework display.

July 23rd — Conclusion

• Thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration.
• From 10:00 PM — Salento folk music with the group "Io, te e Puccia" in Piazza San Giorgio.