Salento Traditional Craft Fair
Traditional Salento craftsmanship at the Chiostro dei Teatini in Lecce
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Salento Craft Fair
The Salento Traditional Craft Fair
During the holiday season, the Chiostro dei Teatini in Lecce, one of the most evocative spaces in the Baroque historic center, transforms into a grand exhibition dedicated to traditional Salento craftsmanship. The Salento Traditional Craft Fair is an event promoted by the Municipality of Lecce with the aim of highlighting local artisanal traditions and providing visibility to the province's master artisans.
What to find at the fair
The exhibitors showcase materials that define the identity of Salento: Lecce stone, the soft golden limestone used to build the Baroque city; papier-mâché (an art for which Lecce is world-famous); terracotta; wood; ceramics; and textiles. Among the stalls, you can admire nativity figures and scenes, embroidery, wooden toys, handmade jewelry, Christmas decorations, and collectibles—all the result of manual craftsmanship rather than industrial production.
A highlight of Christmas in Lecce
The fair is part of the rich Christmas calendar in Lecce, which enlivens the squares and streets of the center with markets, artistic lights, and events during the holidays. The Chiostro dei Teatini, in particular, also hosts the Fiera dei Pupi (or Santa Lucia Fair) in December, dedicated to papier-mâché and terracotta nativity figures, which precedes the craft fair in the holiday schedule.
Where it takes place
The event is held in the Chiostro dei Teatini, along Via Vittorio Emanuele II, in the heart of the historic center of Lecce, the capital of the province of the same name in Puglia. Its central location allows visitors to combine the fair with a stroll among the churches and palaces of the Lecce Baroque, from Piazza Sant'Oronzo to the Basilica of Santa Croce.
Why visit
More than just a Christmas market, the Salento Traditional Craft Fair is an opportunity to get up close to the artistic trades of Salento and take home an authentic, handmade item created by local artisans. It is the ideal destination for those looking for an original Christmas gift linked to the culture of Puglia.
Salento Craft Fair — edition 2026
At the moment, the Municipality of Lecce has not yet published the official dates or the call for exhibitors for the 2026 edition of the Salento Traditional Craft Fair. Based on previous editions, the event is expected to return to the Chiostro dei Teatini during the Christmas season, featuring displays of Lecce stone, papier-mâché, terracotta, wood, ceramics, and textiles by Salento's master artisans. Information will be updated as soon as the Municipality publishes the official notice.
Prices Salento Craft Fair 2026
Practical information — Salento Craft Fair
Location
Chiostro dei Teatini, Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 73100 Lecce (LE), Puglia.
When
During the Christmas season, traditionally from December 27th to Epiphany (January 6th). The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced.
How to get there
The Chiostro dei Teatini is located in the historic center of Lecce, just a few steps from Piazza Sant'Oronzo. Lecce train station is about 1 km away. By car, it is recommended to park in the areas near the center, as the area is largely pedestrianized.
Admission
Admission to the fair is generally free.
Organization
Municipality of Lecce. For information: www.comune.lecce.it
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Salento Craft Fair
Chiostro dei Teatini
Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 73100 Lecce