Cardoncello Mushroom Festival

The Cardoncello, king of the Murgia on the table

The Cardoncello Mushroom Festival in Minervino Murge, in the Province of Barletta-Andria-Trani (BT), is one of the most anticipated gastronomic events of the Apulian autumn. The absolute star is the cardoncello mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii), the flagship product of the Alta Murgia and a true icon of local culinary tradition, which grows wild among the pastures and limestone expanses of the Murgia plateau.

For two days, the historic center of Minervino transforms into a culinary journey: food and wine stalls offer the cardoncello in all its variations—grilled, fried, preserved in oil, in pasta dishes, and in traditional peasant recipes—accompanied by local wines and typical regional products.

A village overlooking the Apulian plains

Minervino Murge is known as the "balcony of Apulia" for its panoramic position on the plateau. The festival is also an opportunity to discover the charm of the village: guided tours lead visitors to the evocative Grotta di San Michele, through the alleys of the Scesciola district, to the Torre Orsini-Del Balzo, and to the historic churches of the center. All around lies the Alta Murgia National Park, with its rugged landscapes and pastoral traditions.

The "Cardoncello on the Road" circuit

The event is part of the widespread "Cardoncello on the Road" festival, promoted by UNPLI Puglia, which includes six stops among the cities and towns of the Alta Murgia Park—from Poggiorsini to Spinazzola, Ruvo di Puglia, Gravina in Puglia, and Cassano delle Murge—celebrating the mushroom that symbolizes the entire Murgia region together.

Music, shows, and tradition

Beyond the gastronomic aspect, the festival offers a rich program of live music, street performances, folk groups, DJ sets, and entertainment for adults and children, enlivening the town squares until late in the evening. It is a community celebration that combines flavors, culture, and conviviality, attracting visitors from all over Apulia and neighboring regions every year.