Salento is famous for its beautiful beaches and for the many experiences it offers, particularly during the summer.

Its most authentic and genuine character, however, can be discovered in winter, during the Christmas season, among towns and villages illuminated for the festivities, the aroma of porcedduzzi, cartellate and mostaccioli, living nativity scenes and local homes.

With its people so deeply connected to tradition and culture, Salento is a region to be savoured slowly. Experiencing the magic of Christmas here is something everyone should do at least once, not least for its culinary traditions. Porcedduzzi, typical Christmas sweets, are simply unmissable. Shaped like small gnocchi and rolled over the back of a grater, they resemble tiny piglets, which is where their name comes from. They are served with honey and cinnamon and are one of the symbols of the festive season.

Another unmissable Christmas attraction is the living nativity scene. There are many throughout Salento, offering evocative representations of the Nativity through local traditions, period costumes and ancient crafts.

One of the most important is the Tricase Living Nativity Scene. Unique of its kind, it features a permanent structure that remains on Monte Orco hill throughout the year. Set against a magnificent natural landscape, its route extends for approximately two kilometres and is best explored at a leisurely pace, surrounded by sparkling festive lights and crackling fires that bring the magic of Christmas to life at every step.

TRICASE LIVING NATIVITY SCENE (700 metres from the hotel) – Unique of its kind, with a permanent structure located on Monte Orco hill throughout the year, it welcomes visitors on 25, 26, 27 and 28 December and 1, 3, 4 and 6 January, from 5.00 pm to 8.30 pm. Admission is free. The Living Nativity Scene is only a few hundred metres from our hotel. For further information about the event, visit: [www.presepeviventetricase.it](http://www.presepeviventetricase.it). Other traditional nativity scenes in Capo di Leuca include the Castro Living Nativity Scene, the living nativity in the village of Specchia, the Leuca Sea Nativity Scene, Christmas in the village of Acquarica and many more.

Click on each town to discover the full programme.

LECCE, with Christmas markets and festive illuminations

CAPRARICA DI LECCE, home to one of Italy’s most beautiful living nativity scenes

CASTRO and its “Christmas in the Village” celebrations

SUPERSANO, with Christmas celebrations through the village streets

UGENTO and its Christmas streets

RUFFANO, with its Enchanted Christmas

SCORRANO, featuring the sand nativity scene and the Frecce Tricolori