Urteddra Festival (Madonna della Grottella)

La Urteddra, the locals' 'second Easter Monday'

The Urteddra Festival is one of the most cherished and characteristic traditions of the Town of Copertino, in the heart of Salento, province of Lecce (Puglia). It is celebrated every year on the first Tuesday after Easter, the day after Easter Monday, earning it the nickname among locals as the "second Easter Monday" or "Tuesday's Easter." The heart of the festival is the Sanctuary and Park of Madonna della Grottella, nestled in the countryside just outside the city: a vast green space that fills for an entire day with families, groups of friends, children, and pilgrims.

A tradition rooted in Marian devotion

The origins of this devotion date back to the mid-16th century, around 1543-1550, when, according to tradition, a shepherd searching for his calf discovered an image of the Madonna and Child in a cave. This discovery sparked the cult of the Madonna della Grottella, leading to the construction of the sanctuary that still welcomes the faithful today. The site is also deeply connected to the figure of Saint Joseph of Copertino, the "flying" friar, patron saint of the city and students, who spent years of his religious life here.

The name and flavors of the festival

The dialect term "Urteddra" refers to the vegetable gardens and countryside surrounding the sanctuary, where people once gathered for outdoor lunches after religious services. The day is defined by the traditional flavors of Salento: palummeddre (Easter taralli decorated with hard-boiled eggs), marange (traditional bitter oranges), cumete, and trenule, along with food stalls and picnic areas where visitors enjoy lunch on the grass.

Kites, entertainment, and devotion

• Masses at the sanctuary: The day is marked by liturgical celebrations, with multiple masses from morning to evening, often attended by the Bishop.
• Kites: One of the most evocative sights is the flying of kites over the Grottella meadow, many of which are built by children in workshops promoted by the municipal library.
• Entertainment and shows: Puppets, games, rides, and a funfair for children, with music and entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening.
• Josephine culture: During the festival, it is possible to visit the Josephine Documentation Center and exhibitions dedicated to Saint Joseph of Copertino.

La Urteddra is a free, open-air festival that blends popular faith, conviviality, and Salento identity in one of the most anticipated days of the year in Copertino. The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Copertino in collaboration with the municipal administration.