Farmers' Festival and Cicatelli Food Festival

A festival born from the land

The Farmers' Festival and Cicatelli Food Festival is the most cherished event in Carlantino, a small town in the Daunian Sub-Apennines in the Province of Foggia, nestled on a hill in the Fortore Valley overlooking the vast Lake Occhito. In a territory historically dependent on cereal farming, shepherding, and field labor, the festival celebrates the community's agricultural roots and serves as the grand finale of the Carlantino Summer, the series of events that brings the village to life throughout August.

The tractor parade

The most anticipated moment is the traditional tractor parade: dozens of agricultural vehicles travel through the town streets, forming a long procession joined by citizens of all ages, including children. The parade is often accompanied by a wagon loaded with agricultural produce, a symbol of wealth and abundance for the season just passed. The procession concludes in front of the Church of the Annunziata, where a thanksgiving mass for the harvest is celebrated, featuring prayers from the faithful and the blessing of the vehicles and the fields.

Cicatelli and Daunian flavors

The religious and civic dimensions are complemented by a convivial one: the festival is also a gastronomic fair dedicated to local products. The stars of the table are cicatelli, the hand-made fresh pasta typical of Daunian cuisine, served with tomato sauce and seasoned with garlic and chili pepper, along with other local delicacies. The tasting takes place in the town square and is accompanied by live music, turning the evening into a popular celebration open to residents and visitors alike.

Community, identity, and hospitality

The Farmers' Festival is much more than an event: it is a collective ritual through which Carlantino recognizes and honors its rural identity. As the municipal administration has noted, this celebration tells the story of the origins, traditions, and what has long been the primary source of livelihood for many families in the village. The event is organized by the Municipality of Carlantino together with the Festival Committee and the Pro Loco, and is part of the summer calendar that welcomes emigrants and families returning to the village for the summer.

A village to discover

Participating in the festival is also an opportunity to discover Carlantino and its surroundings: Lake Occhito, one of the largest artificial reservoirs in Europe, the trails of the Daunian Sub-Apennines, and the landscapes of the Fortore, among woods, hills, and ancient farmhouses. An authentic destination in inland Puglia, far from the beaten tourist paths, where agricultural tradition is still alive and deeply felt.