Cardoncello Mushroom Festival

The Cardoncello Mushroom Festival in Spinazzola

Every autumn, the town center of Spinazzola, in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani, becomes the capital of the cardoncello mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii), a prized wild variety that grows in the pastures of the Alta Murgia and is considered the true king of local gastronomy. The festival draws thousands of visitors to the town's streets and squares for a weekend dedicated to flavors, tradition, and conviviality.

Cardoncello on the Road

The Spinazzola event is a key stop on the "Cardoncello on the Road" touring circuit, promoted by UNPLI Puglia in collaboration with local Pro Loco associations. This project brings the celebration of the cardoncello mushroom to various towns across the Alta Murgia between October and November—from Poggiorsini to Minervino Murge, Ruvo di Puglia to Gravina in Puglia and Cassano delle Murge—with Spinazzola standing out as one of the highlights of the series.

The heart of the festival

The main events take place in Piazza Plebiscito and Piazza Cesare Battisti, where a gastronomic trail is set up with stands offering the cardoncello prepared in every possible way: roasted, fried, stewed, preserved in oil, and paired with typical Apulian dishes. There are also educational sessions, such as the "Delicious Conversations" with expert mycologists, and live cooking shows featuring local chefs.

• Gastronomic trail featuring cardoncello mushrooms and typical Murgia products
• Live cooking shows and guided tastings
• Guided tours of the historic center and the evocative Bauxite Mines
• Live music, DJ sets, bands, and dance performances
• Excursions and cycling tours in the nature of the Alta Murgia National Park

A territory to discover

Beyond the food, the festival is a perfect opportunity to explore Spinazzola and its heritage: the historic center, the sites associated with the birth of Pope Innocent XII, and the unique landscape of the Alta Murgia, with its pastures, woods, and the famous Bauxite Mines. The collaboration with Legambiente and local associations enhances the environmental aspect of the event, blending fine dining with a love for the Apulian landscape.