"Flavours of the Itria Valley" Festival

A rustic festival in the heart of the Itria Valley

The "Flavours of the Itria Valley" Festival is one of the most cherished summer events in Contrada Figazzano, a small rural hamlet in the municipality of Cisternino, in the province of Brindisi. Surrounded by dry-stone walls, ancient olive trees, and the iconic trulli that define the Itria Valley landscape, the festival celebrates the agricultural and social identity of a region where cooking remains a guardian of customs and recipes passed down through generations.

Bombette, wine, and traditional flavours

The true star of the event is Apulian street food, served at stalls set up along the hamlet's lanes. Visitors can savour the famous bombette from Martina Franca, grilled sausage, braciole al ragù, and other local peasant dishes, all paired with Itria Valley wines. The specialty that makes this festival unique is not to be missed: peaches in wine, a fresh, traditional dessert that perfectly rounds off the late August evenings.

Music, cabaret, and entertainment

The festival offers more than just food and wine: every evening is enlivened by live performances, featuring local comedians, folk music, and entertainment for all ages. The atmosphere is that of a genuine village feast, where the entire Figazzano community gathers to share good food, joy, and tradition.

Linked to the Feast of Maria SS. della Stella

The event takes place alongside the Feast of Maria Santissima della Stella, the religious celebration that marks the hamlet's devotional calendar. This blend of the sacred and the profane, between religious observance and gastronomic celebration, is a hallmark of Apulian festivals, giving the event an identity that goes beyond simple food tasting.

Why visit

• Authentic, zero-kilometre cuisine from the Itria Valley
• Free admission and a family-friendly atmosphere
• A picturesque rural setting among trulli and olive groves
• An opportunity to discover the hinterland of Cisternino away from the tourist crowds

Part of the Estate Cistranese programme, the "Flavours of the Itria Valley" Festival is a precious element of experiential tourism in Puglia, showcasing the region through its most authentic flavours.