Cibaria – Food & Wine between Tradition and Innovation

Cibaria, the taste of Puglia in Francavilla Fontana

Cibaria is the festival dedicated to food culture that enlivens the historic center of Francavilla Fontana every year, a city in the Province of Brindisi overlooking the plateau between Salento and Murgia. It is not your typical single-product festival: it is a journey that combines gastronomy, folk traditions, and reflection on food sustainability, with the Castello Imperiali as its main backdrop.

Between tradition and innovation

The event's title, "between tradition and innovation," perfectly captures its spirit. On one hand, there is the memory of Apulian cuisine—ancient grains, extra virgin olive oil, wine, artisanal sweets, and products from Slow Food Presidia—and on the other, a contemporary perspective through cooking demonstrations, where chefs and nutritionists share how to eat well while being mindful of waste and health. The program features a mix of workshops, tastings, markets, folk music, and traditional games, catering to audiences of all ages.

Slow Food and the culture of sustainability

The festival was born from the collaboration between the Municipality of Francavilla Fontana, the Art&Fest Puglia APS association, and Slow Food Brindisi APS. Each edition focuses on a guiding theme: in 2025, the central theme was the fight against food waste in both domestic and collective settings, offering practical advice for a more sustainable lifestyle. It is this blend of good food and awareness that sets Cibaria apart from the many other gastronomic festivals in the region.

Where it takes place

The events are spread throughout the heart of the city: the Castello Imperiali, the symbol of Francavilla Fontana, hosts workshops and presentations, while Piazza Umberto I and Via Roma host cooking demonstrations, markets, and traveling performances such as the pizzica. Participation is free and open to all.

Past editions

The first edition was held in August 2024 as part of the city's summer calendar; the second, in July 2025, solidified the format. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced: this page will be updated as soon as the organizers publish the new calendar.