FèXtra — Extra Virgin Olive Oil Festival

FèXtra: Ten days dedicated to the green gold of the Gargano

Every autumn, when the Gargano countryside fills with the scent of freshly harvested olives, Mattinata transforms into the Italian capital of extra virgin olive oil. FèXtra — Extra Virgin Olive Oil Festival is a widespread event that celebrates the iconic product of the Mediterranean Diet from every angle, spanning oil mills, town squares, ancient olive groves, and the trails of the Gargano National Park.

A festival born from the land

The first edition of FèXtra was held in November 2021, and since then, the event has grown to become one of the most anticipated food and wine gatherings in the province of Foggia. The concept is both simple and ambitious: to tell the story of olive oil not just as a food, but as a pillar of culture, landscape, economy, and identity for the entire territory. In Mattinata, where olive growing is an ancient vocation, extra virgin oil becomes the common thread of an experience that engages producers, chefs, artists, and visitors alike.

What to expect at FèXtra

The program is rich and diverse, designed for both enthusiasts and families:

• Mill tours and milling demonstrations to discover how new oil is made;
• Guided tastings and sensory experiences with expert tasters and olive oil sommeliers;
• Trekking, e-bike tours, and yoga among the olive trees, with excursions through the Gargano landscape;
• Workshops for children and educational activities by the FèXtra School;
• FèXtra Drink and FèXtra Restaurant, contests that reinterpret extra virgin oil in mixology and signature cuisine;
• Concerts and evening shows that bring the historic center to life.

A local event

FèXtra is organized by the Municipality of Mattinata with the Scopro Agency and is supported by the Puglia Region, the Gargano National Park, and a network of partners including Slow Food and AIS Puglia. The event has joined the national circuit of 'Città dell'Olio' (Cities of Oil) and now represents a premier showcase for the olive oil production of the Gargano and all of Puglia.

Strolling through Mattinata during FèXtra means immersing yourself in a white-washed village overlooking the Adriatic, among narrow alleys, bustling squares, and the intense aroma of new oil: an authentic way to discover the Gargano and its rural traditions.