Kalòs ìrtate stin Grecìa Salentina Welcome to Grecìa Salentina
T
his is the message greeting those who enter the “grika” linguistic area of the Salento; this message testifies to the
hospitality of a land proud of its own historical, artistic and cultural heritage. This area represents a young pattern for cultural tourism, able to combine the use of its monuments with tourist accommodation managed with professionalism and passion, offering and promoting cultural events of international renown such as the Notte della Taranta Festival and the Chants of Passion.
A reality made up of small towns in which humility and hospitality peculiar to Byzantine population remained intact , in a territory combining the sea, 12 km from the Grecìa Salentina, with history, arts, culture, music, food and accommodation.
The pleasure of living old city centres with underground oil-press, case a corte, balconies, portals, crypts, churches etc. overhearing the “grika” language spoken by the crowd and new generations is a genuine emotion for those who come to discover this land.
The Chants of Passion, from 9 to 16 March 2008,
represent an offer of religious tourism. Thanks
to music and traditions of cantors coming from different
parts of Italy and of the world, the Passion of
Christ becomes a moment of prayer and private meditation,
extraordinary dialogue among different cultures
which in the wonderful Baroque churches of the Grecìa
Salentina strengthen their link with suffering and
passion.
Present-day life helps to increase a part of tourism
in which the modern pilgrim, the religious tourist
is looking for a spiritual path to find his own
religiosity.
In this ambit the festival dedicated to the Chants
of Passion, with religious and sacred music, conferences
and a filmfest about this subject provides important
incentives and opportunities.
An efficient network of information and accomodation
services providing particular itineraries, package
tours at reduced prices and the traditional “Chants
of Passion “ Menùs available in the
restaurants participating to the initiative, allow
to choose a surprising destination.
For more info about rites, traditions, Easter events in the Grecìa Salentina and in the Salento visit the web site of Unione dei Comuni della Grecìa Salentina www.greciasalentina.org or contact Salento Griko Tourist Front Office.
