Experiencing Easter holidays in Salento can become an unforgettable journey, where history, folklore, and flavour intertwine in an atmosphere that is both authentic and deeply rooted in the land. Here, Easter traditions are not just memories of the past but remain an integral part of everyday life, especially in the small villages.

From traditional folk songs sung in the streets to the preparation of typical sweets, Easter in Salento is a true voyage through symbols, colours, and gestures passed down from generation to generation. Here are some of the most original and evocative customs you can discover while visiting Italy’s heel.

Palm Sunday Serenade: “Tu Lazzarenu”

Easter celebrations begin as early as Palm Sunday. In addition to the traditional blessing of olive branches, a very special tradition is still alive in some towns like Alezio: the serenade known as Tu Lazzarenu. On the eve of Palm Sunday, groups of singers walk through the village streets performing songs that recall the last days of Jesus’ life, receiving fresh eggs in return from the residents. It’s a moment of community and hospitality, steeped in popular music.

The “Sabburchi”: White Wheat Sepulchres

During Holy Week, Salento’s churches prepare for the creation of the Sabburchi, small artistic installations made from wheat sprouted in darkness—symbols of life born in silence and waiting. These displays are arranged on richly decorated altars with candles, purple fabrics, Easter symbols, and white flowers. On Holy Thursday and Good Friday, it’s customary to visit the sepulchres in each church, each one with its own unique style and meaning.

The “Quaremma”: Time of Waiting

Hanging above the streets of many Salentinian towns is the Quaremma, a symbolic figure: a cloth puppet of an old woman dressed in black, with an orange pierced by seven feathers. Each Sunday before Easter, one feather is removed, marking the passage of time. At the end of the period, the Quaremma is burned in a collective ritual that symbolises the end of waiting and the beginning of a new season. This ancient gesture brings communities together in a shared moment of renewal.

 

Traditional Sweets: Cuddhura, Almond Lambs and Fish

Easter in Salento also means traditional sweets. The most iconic is undoubtedly the Cuddhura—a sweet bread ring decorated with hard-boiled eggs (still in their shells) and often shaped into whimsical forms such as hearts, baskets, dolls (pupa), or cockerels (caddhuzzi). Once a gift made by girls for their suitors, today it is a festive treat enjoyed by families.

Another must-have on Salentinian tables is the traditional almond paste lamb—an elegant and symbolic dessert shaped by hand into a lamb or fish. This delicacy has ancient origins and is still made today by artisanal bakeries and, in some cases, local monasteries. Known as “tuce te li signori”—“sweets for the noble”—it once stood out for its refinement and high cost.

“Lu Riu”: Lecce’s Second Easter Monday

In Salento, the celebration doesn’t end on Easter Monday. In Lecce and surrounding areas, the following Tuesday is celebrated with Lu Riu, a day dedicated to outdoor gatherings. Once tied to a rural pilgrimage, today it’s an opportunity to enjoy nature with picnics, music, and shared meals. Favourite spots? The beaches, public parks, and Lecce’s historic centre—full of friends and families enjoying the springtime air.

The Ritual of the Pierced Stone in Calimera: Nature Meets Symbolism

In Calimera, the day after Easter revives one of the region’s most fascinating rituals: passing through a pierced stone kept at the rural church of San Vito. This ancient tradition, tied to themes of fertility and rebirth, has roots in pre-Christian cults and has been preserved through the centuries. Even today, adults and children line up to pass through the small hole in the rock, as a gesture of good fortune and renewal.

 

 

Experiences to Enjoy During Easter in Salento

Beyond the rituals and traditions, Salento offers a wide range of experiences that make an Easter stay truly special:

  • Visits to historic villages such as Otranto, Specchia, Galatina, Presicce, and Corigliano d’Otranto.

  • Walks among centuries-old olive trees and countryside masserie.

  • Coastal hikes from Santa Maria di Leuca to the “Maldives of Salento” and the Porto Selvaggio nature reserve.

Why Choose Salento at Easter?

Salento is a land that welcomes and amazes, especially during times when its local traditions come alive with intensity. Easter is one of those special moments—a chance to rediscover the beauty of authenticity, shared time, and the deep bond between people, nature, and place.

Whether you’re looking to relax between beaches and blooming countryside, experience ancient rituals, or simply enjoy the local cuisine, Salento will offer you all this… and much more.