Festa dell'Aia

The Festa dell'Aia in Contrada Virbo

In the rural landscape of Contrada Virbo, one of the historic districts of Monopoli (Province of Bari, Apulia), the Festa dell'Aia is one of the most cherished summer festivals. The name refers to the 'aia' (threshing floor), the beaten-earth clearing where grain was once threshed: around this symbol of peasant civilization, the district gathers every year for an evening of celebration that blends tradition, folklore, and great food.

The panzerotto takes center stage

The gastronomic heart of the event is the panzerotto, the fried dough pocket stuffed with tomato and mozzarella that is a true icon of Apulian cuisine. For this reason, the festival is also known as the Panzerotto Festival: stalls set up by local volunteers fry panzerotti and pettole non-stop, accompanied by wine and beer in a simple, authentic atmosphere.

Folk music and traditional dances

The evening is brought to life by live folk music, featuring local bands like I Cipurrid, and traditional Apulian and Salento dances: the pizzica and the quadriglia draw both young and old into festive circles that continue late into the night. It is the authentic folklore of rural Apulia, passed down from generation to generation.

A community celebration

The Festa dell'Aia is organized by the San Michele Arcangelo Festival Committee of Contrada Virbo, the same community that celebrates the district's patron saint. Included in the official calendar of District Festivals of the Municipality of Monopoli, the event takes place in the church square and the streets of the district, with free admission. It is the perfect opportunity to discover the most authentic side of Monopoli, far from the crowded beaches, amidst genuine flavors and rural hospitality.