The Lenten period, as is well known, is one of penance and fasting, of prayer and charity; it is that period which begins, as the name itself indicates, 40 days before Easter and concludes with Holy Week and the various rites that distinguish it. Beginning with Palm Sunday, it is followed by Maundy Thursday with the washing of the feet and the Altars of Repose; on Friday the fast begins, commemorating the death of Jesus, and finally the resurrection on Sunday, Easter Day.

As a conclusion to this Holy Week, there is Easter Monday.

Unlike in many other regions of Italy, where people take advantage of the Easter long weekend to travel and visit other regions or foreign countries, in Puglia Easter is experienced differently.

Most families spend Easter Sunday together, eating traditional roast lamb with potatoes.

As for Easter Monday, on the other hand, it is the day for trips out of town, excursions, and large gatherings around the table by the sea or in the countryside. It is the time when young people and adults get together to spend a day of fun and cheerfulness in the company of friends or relatives.

So what does someone from Apulia actually do on Easter Monday, specifically?

Here is a short guide to some of the places to visit and the most popular excursions among locals in Puglia.

La Selva di Fasano:

La Selva di Fasano is a hamlet in the municipality of Fasano, rising to an altitude of about 420 metres above sea level.

Its uniqueness lies precisely in the breath-taking panorama it offers tourists as they walk along the tree-lined avenues, from where it is even possible to see the trulli and the characteristic villages below, not forgetting the sea view that sets it apart. 

On the Selva there is also one of the largest zoos in Europe: the Fasanolandia Safari Zoo. Here, as well as being able to observe the numerous animals it houses, you can have fun in the amusement park inside the zoo, full of rides and attractions for adults and children alike.

Savelletri:

Savelletri is also a hamlet in the municipality of Fasano, but unlike Selva it is located on the plains right on the coast, with sand and cliffs.

This is a very popular destination for Easter Monday among sea urchin lovers. In fact, from the little harbour it is possible to buy them directly from the fishermen and the local tradition is to eat them by the sea with Bari focaccia or Altamura bread. Clearly it is important to arrive early because they sell out fast. .

The sea:

Still staying on the coast, there are countless places where it is possible to stop, set up gazebos, tables and chairs, and have lunch by the sea. Many organise themselves with barbecues, trays of rice, potatoes and mussels, baked pasta, orecchiette and any other dish, and spend the day breathing in the healthy sea air.

Among the best-known I can mention the little coves of Monopoli, Taranto, Torre dell'Orso and the numerous beaches that the Salento offers.

The Gargano:

The Gargano is located in the province of Foggia. Here there are various protected areas including the Foresta Umbra, which can be visited by bike or on foot, where local tourist boards have organised themselves by creating food and wine, religious, historical and nature tours. The Tremiti Islands Marine Reserve boasts astonishing seabed and natural caves. 

And finally the characteristic towns such as San Giovanni Rotondo, Vieste, Peschici, Lesina and Manfredonia.

 There are truly so many places that Puglia has to offer for spending a carefree and cheerful day out, visiting historic sites or simply enjoying good company around a table by the sea or in the shade of ancient olive trees in the traditional Apulian country houses, the only dilemma... the bad weather!! After all, it's well known that Easter Monday picnics are notorious for being rainy and sometimes cold... so umbrella in the backpack and have a great Easter Monday!!