Autumn is the season when Puglia celebrates its most authentic flavors, from freshly harvested olives and young wine to roasted chestnuts and age-old traditions that come back to life in its villages. From October 15 to 18, Martano, in the heart of Grecìa Salentina, hosts the 35th edition of the Sagra de la Volìa Cazzata: four days dedicated to cucina povera, or traditional peasant cuisine, featuring the famous volìe cazzate -olives hand-crushed and left to mature in water- alongside pittule, horse meat morsels, grilled meats, pork and cicoreddhe with legumes. All accompanied by wine, music and traditional songs, in a true celebration of conviviality. On November 1, Carpignano Salentino renews its historic All Saints’ Fair, rooted in the rural world and now a major celebration of local crafts, gastronomy and culture. With the traditional livestock fair, local products, music and the “Via te mienzu,” the village becomes a showcase for the finest flavors and traditions of Salento. From November 6 to 8, Leverano celebrates young wine with Novello in Festa, featuring tastings, local specialties, food workshops, music and historical parades. On November 7 and 8, Noci, in the heart of the Trulli area of the Murge, welcomes Bacco nelle Gnostre, where the village’s characteristic little squares become a journey through Puglian wines, roasted chestnuts, seasonal specialties, music and dancing. Finally, in Putignano, on November 20 and 21, San Martino. Ogni Mosto Diventa Vino celebrates the transformation of grape must into wine, with Puglian wineries, guided tastings, traditional dishes and music.
It is a journey through autumn in Puglia, when the land offers its finest fruits and the villages come together once again around the simplest and most precious rituals: food, wine and sharing.
