Uxentum - The Ways of Christmas

Christmas spread throughout the heart of Salento

Uxentum - The Ways of Christmas is the major Christmas festival that lights up the historic center of Ugento, in the province of Lecce, every year. The name evokes Uxentum, the ancient name of the Messapian and Roman city, reflecting the concept of a Christmas that winds through the streets, squares, and alleys of the village, turning them into a single, widespread village of lights, music, and tradition.

The event is promoted by the APS Arcoiris association in collaboration with the Municipality of Ugento and supported by the Puglia Region, with the involvement of the local Pro Loco and various community organizations. The result is a packed calendar with over fifty appointments spread over a month, almost all of which are free to attend.

Lights, markets, and attractions for everyone

The scenic heart of the event is the lighting of the grand tree and the artistic illuminations that adorn the historic center. Among the most popular permanent attractions are the ice rink (set up in recent editions as an eco-friendly version, requiring no water or electricity), Christmas markets with wooden stalls dedicated to local crafts and Salento specialties, street food stands open every evening, and a vintage carousel for children.

• Craft markets with local products and gift ideas
• Ice rink in the historic center
• Santa's Village and entertainment for children
• Nativity scenes and displays in squares and churches

Concerts, shows, and tradition

The program alternates between music, theater, and folk traditions: gospel and Christmas concerts, street performances, parades, workshops for children, tastings of local food and wine excellence such as "Calici Stellati," and events dedicated to Salento traditions, from novenas to Nativity re-enactments. There are also major public events for New Year's Eve and Epiphany, featuring the descent of the Befana and concerts by traditional pizzica-salentina bands.

A Christmas for the whole family

Thanks to free admission to most events and the widespread layout that invites visitors to stroll through the village streets, Uxentum - The Ways of Christmas is designed for a broad audience, from families with children to visitors choosing Ugento and lower Salento as their holiday destination. The event helps enhance the historic center and local traditions, confirming its place among the liveliest Christmas events in the province of Lecce and Puglia.