San Niceta Patronal Feast

The 2025 San Niceta Patronal Feast brought Melendugno (Province of Lecce) to life from Saturday, September 13 to Tuesday, September 16, with a program that intertwined devotion to the patron saint with the street festivals typical of Salento. The organizational machine was led by the Patronal Feast Committee chaired by Antonio De Santis, together with the parish and the Municipality.

Central moments included the Holy Mass in the Byzantine rite celebrated on Sunday, September 14 at the Abbey of San Niceta and the solemn procession on Monday, September 15, with the statue of the Saint carried through the streets of the town decorated with artistic illuminations. There was no shortage of grand brass band concerts, comedy shows in Piazza Pertini, entertainment for children, and the publication of the 62nd edition of the satirical newspaper Il Melendugnese. Closing the festivities were the traditional fireworks on the evening of September 16.

Saturday, September 13

• 9:00 PM — Presentation of the Narconon Volley Melendugno team (Serie A2)
• 9:30 PM — Musical show "Bar Italia" (90s revival)

Sunday, September 14

• 10:30 AM — Holy Mass in the Byzantine rite at the Abbey of San Niceta
• 6:00 PM — "The Magic Night of Children" in the municipal villa: games, shows, and entertainment

Monday, September 15

• 6:00 PM — Solemn procession from the mother church, with the presentation of the city keys to the Saint by the mayor
• 9:00 PM — Release of hot air balloons
• 9:00 PM — Comedy show with Li Scemifreddi and Gli Arteteca in Piazza Pertini
• Evening — Grand brass band concert of the City of Taviano

Tuesday, September 16

• 5:00 AM — Holy Mass at dawn at the Abbey
• Performances by the brass bands of Francavilla Fontana and Conversano
• 9:00 PM — Concluding fireworks