Santu Vitu Fair - Chòra Martàna

The Santu Vitu Fair in Martano

The Santu Vitu Fair is a re-enactment of an ancient popular fair that once colored the streets of Martano, a town in the Grecìa Salentina area in the province of Lecce, in the heart of Puglia. Dedicated to Saint Vitus, the fair is rooted in the peasant culture of Salento and brings together a market, gastronomy, crafts, and entertainment in a single evening with free admission. After a long silence, the event has been revived thanks to the work of the young people from the Nodo Galattica di Martano, in collaboration with the Vivarch APS association, the Municipality of Martano, and local stakeholders.

A recovery of peasant memory

The last edition of the ancient fair dated back to 2017: since then, the tradition had remained dormant, kept alive only by the memories of the inhabitants of the Rione Costantino, the district in the Fiume area where the town's historic springs flow. The return of the fair was born as a community project: mapping the sites, rediscovering trades, and restoring to the people of Martano an event that bridges generations. The choice of the Rione Costantino is no coincidence, as it is home to the Pozzo Fiume, which is opened exceptionally during the event, symbolizing the ancient bond between the community and water.

Between re-enactments, flavors, and music

The program revolves around the historical re-enactment of wheat threshing, the famous «Li Mannucchi», which showcases the gestures and tools of field work as they were used in the past. Surrounding this rural core are an evening local farmers' market, stalls featuring traditional Salento crafts, a spacious food and drink area with local products, and the traditional blessing of the animals at the Church of San Giovanni Bosco. The evening continues with immersive art installations, workshops for all ages, the Radio Salentina DJ contest, and folk music concerts that liven up the district until late at night.

An event for the whole community

The Santu Vitu Fair is designed for adults, families, children, and the elderly: an opportunity to stroll among the historic fountains, listen to pizzica and the songs of Salento, enjoy traditional dishes, and rediscover the identity of Martano and Grecìa Salentina. Admission is completely free, in keeping with the participatory and popular spirit that has always distinguished this fair.