Patria Palace Hotel Lecce

Christmas in Salento: Discover the Charm of the Holidays

Christmas in Salento is an authentic celebration, blending local traditions and culinary delights that evoke the warmth and conviviality typical of this land. During this time of year, Lecce and the surrounding towns transform into a magical setting, enlivened by events, folk festivals, and markets that reveal the true spirit of Salento.

Among the most cherished celebrations is the feast of Santa Lucia on December 13. In the villages of Taviano, Scorrano, Morciano di Leuca, Cutrofiano, and Tricase, this day is celebrated with Christmas markets and firework displays. In Sternatia, an ancient tradition called the "focara" is held: an enormous stack of wood is set on fire, and both locals and visitors gather around to admire the dancing flames and warmth. Another enchanting event is the festival of “Le Panare” in Spongano, where baskets of olive pulp are burned as an offering to Santa Vittoria, a ritual that celebrates Salento’s devotion and folklore.
Strolling through Lecce, amid festive lights and decorations in the historic center, one is easily drawn by the aromas wafting from local markets, where traditional Salento holiday specialties can be enjoyed. “Pittule” – small, fried dough balls, served plain or filled with ingredients like codfish or broccoli – are a particular favorite. For Christmas lunch, Salento tables overflow with rich and flavorful dishes: baked pasta, lasagna, and cappone broth soups are among the classics. As for main courses, codfish is a staple in many forms, alongside the traditional spicy side dish “rape 'nfucate,” a peasant-style preparation of turnip greens.

Salento’s sweets are the crowning glory of the Christmas season. Alongside the more familiar panettone and pandoro, local tables feature purceddhruzzi – small fried dough balls coated in honey, almonds, and cinnamon – and carteddhrate (or cartellate), rosette-shaped fried dough flavored with honey and spices. Another local specialty is the almond paste fish, filled with faldacchiera, a unique custard made from eggs and liqueur, mixed with homemade pear jam. Mustazzoli, delightful pastries made with flour, sugar, honey, and a chocolate glaze, complete Salento’s sweet Christmas selection.

During this special season, Patria Palace provides refined hospitality in the heart of Lecce. Located across from the Basilica of Santa Croce, Patria Palace is the perfect base for exploring local Christmas traditions, offering guests all the comfort and tranquility needed to fully immerse themselves in an authentic experience. Our restaurant, Atenze, with our Executive Chef Cristiano Stamerrais, is open to everyone, even those not staying at the hotel, with a menu that celebrates the region’s flavors and guides visitors on a culinary journey through Salento.

For New Year’s Eve, Patria Palace has planned a unique event: the “Baroque New Year’s Eve”, a themed evening combining the elegance of baroque style with the mystique of Venetian masks. This event celebrates the cultural connection between Lecce and Venice, both united by baroque architecture, and offers guests a chance to step into a world of elegance and refined charm. The dress code invites guests to wear attire or accessories inspired by the opulence of the baroque period, and each attendee will receive a Venetian mask at the entrance to fully embrace the evening’s spirit.

Spending the holidays at Patria Palace means enjoying an unforgettable Christmas and New Year’s in the heart of Salento, surrounded by tradition, culture, and authenticity, with all the charm of Lecce’s baroque splendor.


Discover our Collection

Roma | Bari | Lecce | Castellaneta M. (TA)