Santa Croce Fair – May Fair

A historic fair revived in Salento

The Santa Croce Fair, historically known as the May Fair, is a traditional event in Minervino di Lecce, a village in the lower Salento area in the province of Lecce, in the Puglia region. It has always been held on the first Sunday of May and is deeply rooted in the rural world: it was once one of the most important fairs in the area, dedicated to the trade of livestock and agricultural products, which were the heart of the local economy in the past.

Largo Santa Croce, the heart of the celebration

The fair takes its name from the nearby Church of Santa Croce, an ancient building located just outside the town, around which the market was held in the past. Today, the hub of the event is Largo Santa Croce, which for one day transforms into a vibrant and colorful space filled with music, flavors, stories, and social gatherings. Among the stalls, you can find food products, various goods, and local gastronomic specialties.

The revival by Ri-generazione Minervino

After years of decline, the event was reignited thanks to the Ri-generazione Minervino group, which sought to restore this identity-defining moment to the community. The contemporary fair blends the memory of the rural past with a renewed format: a local farmers' market, Salento-style street food, and spaces dedicated to intergenerational connection.

Music, pizzica, and tradition

The beating heart of the day is folk music: pizzica, the dance and rhythm that symbolizes Salento, accompanies the fair until evening, engaging both residents and visitors. The event is thus a perfect opportunity to rediscover local folklore and artisanal crafts in a festive atmosphere open to families and tourists alike.

Minervino di Lecce and its surroundings

Located in the hinterland of lower Salento, the Municipality of Minervino di Lecce is a village rich in history, featuring megalithic monuments such as the famous Dolmen Li Scusi, the 16th-century Palazzo Venturi, and a countryside dotted with olive trees and ancient masserie (farmhouses). The Santa Croce Fair is one of the best occasions to experience the authenticity of this corner of Puglia, featuring zero-mile products, traditional cuisine, and the warm hospitality of Salento.