Festivals of Salento

In springtime, every village in Salento celebrates its patron saint. These celebrations are called Feste. Led by small brass bands, religious processionals with priests in their vestments carry the statues of their saints through the narrow streets. Elaborate light displays are erected on the main streets. Street food and sidewalk vendors line the roads. In winter, bonfires are set. And always, each celebration is bookended by fireworks. This ongoing series of photographs is an exploration of the rich tapestry of people and their customs, and of the intrinsic culture of Salento.