Fish Festival

A seaside celebration in the heart of Salento

The Seafood Festival takes place in Torre San Giovanni, the main seaside district of the Municipality of Ugento, in the Province of Lecce. Overlooking the Ionian Sea and dominated by its unmistakable red and white striped lighthouse, Torre San Giovanni maintains a strong bond with the sea and the maritime traditions of Salento.

Mignolata and fried fish take center stage

The heart of the event is the tasting of traditional Salento specialties. At the stalls set up in Piazza del Porto, you can savor the Salento Mignolata and seafood fries, along with other fried delicacies and typical Apulian products, during an evening dedicated to local flavors.

Folk music and a festive atmosphere

The festival is organized by the Pro Loco Ugento e Marine and, alongside the tastings, features a live concert by the Associazione Musicale Culturale I Calanti, a group deeply rooted in the tradition of Salento folk music. With rhythms and sounds that evoke the pizzica and the folk music of Salento, it is a celebration that engages both residents and tourists late into the night.

Torre San Giovanni and the Ugento marina

During the summer, Torre San Giovanni is one of the most popular seaside destinations in lower Salento, with its light sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lively promenade. The Seafood Festival is part of the marina's rich summer calendar, offering visitors an authentic opportunity to discover the flavors and traditions of this corner of Puglia bathed by the Ionian Sea.

An open-air experience

Set in the evening, just a stone's throw from the sea, the event retains the genuine character of local village festivals: shared tables, the aroma of fried food, live music, and the sea breeze. An event that tells the story of the identity of Ugento and its coastline.