Focaccia Festival

The Focaccia Festival in Cassano delle Murge

The Focaccia Festival is one of the most deeply rooted and long-standing culinary events in Cassano delle Murge, a town in the Metropolitan City of Bari, Apulia. Established in the late 1970s, it reached its 46th edition in 2025, cementing its status as one of the most popular festivals in the Alta Murgia region. Every summer, the town center transforms into a vibrant social space dedicated to one of the absolute icons of Apulian cuisine.

Focaccia, the queen of the Apulian table

The undisputed star is focaccia, a dish that is as simple as it is iconic: flour, water, yeast, and salt, enhanced by fresh tomatoes and olives. Despite its humble origins, it is a flavorful and historic food, masterfully prepared by local bakers according to traditional recipes and served hot and fragrant directly in the square. The tastings are accompanied by food stalls, social gatherings, and the genuine atmosphere of a local village festival.

Where and when

The festival takes place in the heart of the town, between Piazza Aldo Moro and Via Magg. Turitto, generally in the second half of August, starting in the evening from 7:00 PM. The event is organized by the UNPLI La Murgianella APS association with the patronage of the Municipality of Cassano delle Murge, making it a staple of the local summer calendar.

Music and entertainment

Alongside the culinary tradition, the festival offers live music and performances that bring the evenings to life. Recent editions have hosted major concerts that draw crowds from across the province, blending authentic flavors with entertainment in a festive atmosphere perfect for families and visitors of all ages.

The connection to the Panzerotto Festival

Traditionally, the Focaccia Festival kicks off a double celebration in the square: in the days immediately following, the Panzerotto Festival takes place, dedicated to another excellence of Apulian gastronomy. Together, the two events transform Cassano delle Murge into a showcase of the region's popular flavors, featuring leavened dough, tomatoes, and artisanal frying.

An event of identity

More than just a food festival, the Focaccia Festival is a moment of collective identity for Cassano delle Murge: an opportunity to rediscover traditional flavors, gather in the square, and enjoy the warm August evenings in the Alta Murgia, amidst the scent of freshly baked focaccia and music.