Ferragosto Procession in Leuca. Salento undoubtedly offers numerous wonderful landscapes, but it is also famous for its festivals and numerous village festivals. In August these events reach an almost daily frequency.
Mid-August in Santa Maria di Leuca
For those who are in Santa Maria di Leuca and want to attend a show, different from the usual celebrations, we recommend the procession by sea of Leuca. The celebrations in honor of the Madonna begin already on the evening of August 14th; when the statue of the Madonna is carried in procession through the streets of the town. The statue is subsequently taken to the Church of Christ the King, in the heart of the town, and kept watch all night.
Ferragosto Procession in Santa Maria di Leuca
The next morning, after the great mass, which takes place at the basilica, the statue is carried again through the streets of the town until it reaches the Port of Santa Maria di Leuca. At this point the statue is placed on one of the fishing boats of Leuca; decorated with flowers and ribbons, and sets sail in the sea followed by a procession of hundreds of boats; from the smallest to the large yachts, including the musical band that accompanies everything with its music.
A real procession on the sea that continues until it reaches the small port in the marina of San Gregorio. Meanwhile, the locals admire the procession from the coast, accompanying it all with amazement and applause. At dusk, immersed in the spectacle of colors of the sunset, the boats return to Santa Maria di Leuca where mass is celebrated.
Many are those who ask to participate in the boat parade and this is possible by renting or renting boats in Santa Maria di Leuca.
