Bell Fair

Legend has it that in a distant time a very poor shepherd lost his only sheep. Long following the tinkling of a bell, he found her at the edge of a ravine as she was about to fall into the void. It was St. Michael, who suddenly appeared and brought her to safety. The saint took off the bell he wore around his neck and made a gift of it to the shepherd. From that day on, the poor man saw his every wish come true. This is the origin of the popular belief that bells bring good luck. To treat yourself to one or give one as a gift to your loved ones, you can visit the Bell Fair, which has been organized by Academia Lupiaensis in collaboration with the municipality for the past 22 years, recovering a tradition that has lasted at least five centuries. The market-exhibition draws numerous terracotta artisans to the Salento capital, who make bells of very different fashions according to their creativity and the flair of the moment. In addition to being a powerful amulet, the bell is a symbol of peace and tolerance, linking religious significance to the cultural aspect of Salento's identity.

The fair can be visited daily from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.