Santu Donnu Country Festival

Santu Donnu 2025: the tradition renews itself

On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Nociglia renewed its appointment with the Santu Donnu Country Festival, one of the most characteristic folk rituals of Lower Salento. The festival took place in the enchanting setting of the Fontana district, among the oak trees, reed beds, and ancient olive groves of the Parco dei Paduli.

At 5:00 PM, the gathering took place in Piazza Ruggieri: the statue of Santu Donnu set off, transported on an Ape, at the head of a cheerful bicycle parade heading toward the countryside. At 6:00 PM, the blessing of the fields was celebrated, a moment of reflection and community spirit. From 8:30 PM, the Fontana district came alive with food stalls, traveling music, and pizzica by the group Provvisorio Popolare, with the festivities continuing until late at night.

The organization was handled by the Terrikate cultural association, with the support of the Municipality of Nociglia.

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

• 5:00 PM — Gathering in Piazza Ruggieri (Nociglia): the statue of Santu Donnu departs on an Ape at the head of the bicycle parade toward the Fontana district.
• 6:00 PM — Blessing of the fields in the Fontana district.
• 8:30 PM — Opening of food stalls, traveling music, and pizzica with the group Provvisorio Popolare, until late at night.