Chicken, Rabbit and Grilled Meat Festival

A tradition spanning nearly seventy years

The Chicken, Rabbit and Grilled Meat Festival is one of the longest-running and most cherished culinary events in all of Puglia. Established in the 1950s in Castellana Grotte, in the province of Bari, it has spanned nearly seven decades of history while maintaining its authentic, popular character: local butchers light their grills in the squares and streets of the historic center, transforming the town into a massive open-air feast dedicated to grilled meats.

The scent of embers in the square

The heart of the festival beats in Piazza Garibaldi and Largo San Leone Magno, along with the surrounding streets where participating butcher shops operate. The undisputed stars are chicken, rabbit, and grilled meat, prepared according to tradition by local master butchers. Food stalls bring the evenings to life, filling the town center with the unmistakable aroma of grilled meat, creating a festive atmosphere that draws visitors from across the Murgia and Bari areas.

Music, satire, and fun

The festival is about more than just food. Each evening, the program features live music with local bands and artists, while a dedicated children's area with bouncy castles and entertainment makes the event perfect for the whole family. A signature element of the festival is the famous "satirical shop windows": merchants decorate their storefronts with humorous scenes and witty texts that comment on the year's events, sparking an original competition highly anticipated by the locals.

Organization and local identity

The event is organized by ASCOM Confcommercio Castellana Grotte with the patronage of the Municipality of Castellana Grotte and the support of local businesses. More than just a food festival, it is a celebration that champions local commerce, artisanal food, and the identity of a Puglian community world-famous for its Grotte di Castellana, among the most spectacular karst caves in Italy.

When it takes place

The Chicken, Rabbit and Grilled Meat Festival is traditionally held on the first weekend of September over three days. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced by the organizers; it is recommended to check the ASCOM Confcommercio and municipal channels for updates.