San Simone Fair

One of Salento's oldest fairs

The San Simone Fair is one of the most deeply rooted traditional events in Salento and the town of Sannicola, located in the province of Lecce, Puglia. Linked to the feast of Saint Simon, which falls on October 28th, the fair takes place around the last weekend of October. It is firmly rooted in the farming history of this corner of Salento, dating back to when seasonal markets dictated the rhythm of rural life and marked the transition into autumn.

Promoted by the Municipality of Sannicola through the Department of Tourism and Events, the festival brings the town's historic center to life for two days, turning it into a large pedestrian zone centered around Piazza della Repubblica.

The Taste Fair and local products

The gastronomic heart of the event is the Taste Fair, featuring regional and national exhibitors offering the flavors of the Salento and Apulian autumn:

• wines, olive oils, and taralli;
• cured meats, cheeses, and preserves;
• baked goods, traditional sweets, and liqueurs;
• traditional street food, from roasted chestnuts to cupeta and scapece.

Alongside the food stalls, you will find the Artisan Creativity Market, a creative and traditional space bringing together local Salento artisans and new local talent.

The livestock fair and rural culture

A key element of the event's identity is the livestock fair, traditionally held on Sunday morning along Via Mozart. It is a direct link to the event's rural origins and one of the few remaining markets of its kind in Salento, attracting curious visitors, families, and enthusiasts alike.

Folk music, folklore, and families

The evenings of the San Simone Fair are filled with concerts and performances of Salento folk music, featuring pizzica, stornelli, and folk revival groups. During the day, there are workshops, games, and activities designed for families and children. The "Sapori Sannicolesi in Piazza" gastronomic competition, organized by the local Pro Loco, invites the community to compete with traditional dishes.

An identity-defining event for Sannicola

In recent years, the San Simone Fair has established itself as a major driver of tourism growth for Sannicola, attracting visitors from across Salento. Strolling through the stalls, listening to the pizzica, and tasting autumn products is an authentic way to experience Apulian tradition outside the summer season, during the most evocative time of the year.