Buffalo Mozzarella, Arugula and Pizza Festival

A neighborhood festival in the Piana del Sele

Every late August, the Sant'Antonio a Picentia neighborhood in Pontecagnano Faiano, in the province of Salerno, transforms into a massive open-air kitchen. The Buffalo Mozzarella, Arugula and Pizza Festival takes over Piazza Padre Carmelo Gentile with food stalls, a music stage, and dedicated children's areas. This young event, promoted by the volunteers of the Sant'Antonio il Risorgimento association, has quickly become one of the most anticipated summer gatherings in the district. In 2025, it held its second edition from August 22nd to 25th, featuring four consecutive nights of gastronomy and entertainment.

The three products that give the festival its name

The event's title tells you exactly what is on the menu, and it is no coincidence: these are the three symbols of the countryside and the table in this part of Campania.

• Campanian buffalo mozzarella — the Piana del Sele is a historic territory for buffalo farming and mozzarella production, served here in its simplest, freshest form, meant to be enjoyed just as it is.
• Arugula — the Salerno plain is Italy's primary hub for arugula cultivation, protected by the European PGI status «Rucola della Piana del Sele». At the festival, it accompanies cold dishes and pizza toppings.
• Pizza — prepared and served directly at the stalls in the most iconic Campanian tradition: topped with fresh buffalo mozzarella and arugula straight from the oven.

Music, dance, and stage performances

The festival is about more than just food; every night features a show on the square's stage. Past editions have showcased local bands, dance and fitness school performances, folk music nights, and the classic Corrida, a talent show for local amateurs that is always a crowd favorite because it puts the residents themselves in the spotlight. The atmosphere is typical of Campanian neighborhood festivals: dining outdoors at communal tables, staying late, and dancing in front of the stage.

An event designed for families

One of the festival's hallmarks is its focus on children. Every night, there are entertainment areas and bouncy castles managed by volunteers, and in 2025, one evening even hosted a magic and performance show for the little ones, sponsored by the Municipality of Pontecagnano Faiano. The result is an intergenerational event where grandparents, parents, and children gather in the same square.

Pontecagnano Faiano: between archaeology and the sea

Visitors from out of town can combine the festival with the discovery of an often-overlooked town. Pontecagnano Faiano stands on the ancient Etruscan-Campanian settlement of Picentia, which left behind significant traces: the National Archaeological Museum of Pontecagnano, dedicated to the «Frontier Etruscans», and the vast Eco-Archaeological Park, one of the largest in Campania. The municipal territory also overlooks the Gulf of Salerno with a long sandy coastline and serves as the area's aerial gateway, as it hosts the Salerno-Costa d'Amalfi Airport. From here, you can quickly reach Salerno, Paestum, the Amalfi Coast, and the Cilento region.

How to make the most of your evenings

Food stalls generally open at 7:30 PM, and the square fills up quickly on weekend nights: it is best to arrive early to find a seat at the tables and park without too much trouble in the neighborhood streets. The late August weather allows for outdoor dining until late, but a light sweater for the post-dinner hours is a good idea. Since this is a festival organized by a volunteer association, dates and programs are announced year by year through the neighborhood's social media channels and local Salerno press: it is always wise to check before setting off.