You'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the past, experiencing firsthand ancient crafts that are the heart and soul of the culture and history of the "heel of the Bel Paese."
There ceramic It's the main activity found in the city of Grottaglie, in the province of Taranto. Every year, events are held to showcase local products, bearing the DOC label. Their uniqueness lies in the freehand decorations, created without any prior design.
Participating events include "Buongiorno ceramica" (May 15-16, 2021), an entire weekend dedicated to this art form; the "Ceramics Exhibition"; and, during the Christmas holidays, the "Nativity Scene Exhibition." These events will be held in the "Li Camenn're" (literally "the fireplace") neighborhood, a medieval ceramics district that arose in the 14th century, where ceramists opened workshops and laboratories. Visitors can stroll the streets and watch artists create true works of art from a simple piece of red clay, featuring traditional decorations such as a blue flower on a white background and a free-range rooster, a symbol of fertility and once believed to ward off evil spirits.
Another symbolic profession of the Salento culture is the Papier-mâché . Closely linked to religion, this art originated in the 17th and 18th centuries to decorate the many churches built during that period, as traditional statues made of marble, bronze, and wood were too heavy and expensive. For this reason, artisans experimented with new techniques: they mixed waste paper with plaster, straw, and other humble materials. Thus, the "papier-mâché" craft was born, and with it, the "papier-mâché" craftsmen. Although born out of religious tradition, a variety of furnishing objects and toys are created. Evidence of the importance of this art are the numerous stalls and markets selling typical Salento souvenirs.
Moving on to the jobs formerly belonging to women which still continue today, it is worth mentioning the Embroidery . In Vico del Gargano, textile production is particularly well-developed: the women's manual skills produce furnishings, liturgical vestments, and wedding trousseaus. The original embroideries are in linen, wool, silk, gold, wool on linen, or silk on wool. Moving toward Capurso, in the province of Bari, fine objects are produced by skilled embroiderers trained in a school strongly supported by a noblewoman. With just needle and thread, they create dining room sets, cushion covers, coasters, and even embroidered hems for clothing. Maria Concetta Egidio, the Italian lacemaker, born in Capurso and who lived to be 107, has received numerous awards and recognitions for her art; among her creations, the altar cloths are the most admired. In Alberobello and Carovigno, hand weaving is as alive as ever; Bags, scarves, tablecloths, furnishing objects, and clothing finishes are made using traditional manufacturing techniques.
The ancient one art of the master shipwright It is passed down by 36-year-old Massimo Di Pierro from Bisceglie. He creates miniature boats with every detail meticulously crafted by hand, starting with a photograph of the original boat and then a drawing. He then outlines a skeleton and begins the actual construction of what will become his miniature work.
Enthusiasts and collectors can participate in various fairs held throughout Puglia. The large trade fair is particularly important, attracting visitors from all over the world. It focuses on collectibles and antiques. The Catapano fair takes place in the Basilica of San Nicola in Bari every third Sunday of the month and hosts more than forty exhibitors. They also display modern antiques. In Brindisi, the antiques and modern antiques market is held on the first Sunday of the month: craft markets are set up, offering opportunities for purchases. In Acquarica Capo, in the province of Lecce, the Rush Exhibition is held during the second and third ten days of May, featuring objects created entirely from this plant.