Ceglie Food Festival

The festival of taste in the heart of the Itria Valley

The Ceglie Food Festival is one of the most renowned food and wine events in Apulia. Every summer, the historic center of Ceglie Messapica—an elegant town in the province of Brindisi nestled in the Itria Valley—comes alive with stalls, open kitchens, and stages celebrating the richness of Apulian flavors. It is no coincidence that Ceglie, with its ancient culinary tradition and iconic products like the famous biscotto cegliese, is considered one of the region's gastronomic capitals.

Cooking shows, star chefs, and tastings

The heart of the event is the large central stage set up in Piazza Plebiscito, where cooking shows, talks, and masterclasses led by prominent food and wine communicators take place. The stage hosts Michelin-starred chefs, producers, journalists, and sommeliers, all invited to share and showcase the excellence of Apulian cuisine. The streets and squares of the historic center, from Via Muri to Largo Monterrone, host tasting booths, markets featuring local products, and street food offerings that accompany visitors throughout the festival.

Biodiversity, sustainability, and farm-to-table

In recent years, the festival has strengthened its ethical commitment, focusing on themes such as biodiversity, environmental sustainability, a plastic-free approach, and the promotion of farm-to-table products. Ample space is dedicated to emerging young chefs and cultural exchange, with events that also involve migrant communities and dishes from their lands of origin.

Music and atmosphere in the historic center

The culinary experience is complemented by entertainment: concerts, live bands, and performances enliven the evenings, turning the ancient village of Ceglie Messapica into an open-air lounge. The event, which offers free admission, attracts thousands of visitors every year and is organized by the Municipality of Ceglie Messapica with executive production by New Music Promotion.

An identity-defining event for Apulia

The Ceglie Food Festival is much more than a local fair: it is a showcase that promotes the Apulia brand through food culture, gastronomic tourism, and the identity of the Itria Valley. Strolling through the town center, tasting local specialties, and watching the chefs' cooking shows is an experience that unites tradition and innovation in the spirit of the finest Apulian hospitality.