Forgotten Fruits Festival

A festival dedicated to the ancient fruits of Salento

The Forgotten Fruits Festival is an autumn event that brings life to Felline, a village in the municipality of Alliste, in the lower Salento area of the province of Lecce. Traditionally held in early October, the festival stems from a desire to rediscover and promote those ancient fruits that were once a staple of daily life in the Salento countryside and are now at risk of disappearing from our tables and memories. It is an intimate, village-scale event, far from the crowds of larger festivals, yet it authentically captures the rural culture of Puglia.

The forgotten fruits take center stage

At the heart of the festival are the so-called forgotten fruits: minor varieties, often wild or grown only in family gardens, which deserve to be rediscovered for their flavor and their connection to the region's biodiversity. Key highlights include:

• Jujubes, small, sweet, and crunchy fruits that ripen in autumn;
• Arbutus berries, with their characteristic red color and a sweet-and-sour taste;
• Pomegranates, a symbol of abundance in Mediterranean tradition;
• Service berries and azaroles, ancient fruits linked to rural culture;
• Carobs and figs, historical staples of the Salento agricultural landscape.

Markets, tastings, and rural tradition

The event typically features tasting stalls, small markets selling local products, and moments dedicated to rediscovering the flavors of the past. It is an opportunity to sample traditional fruits and recipes, learn about local varieties, and experience the convivial atmosphere of Salento's villages. The event, promoted by local associations, is part of the rich calendar of festivals and celebrations that mark the year in Alliste and Felline, ranging from summer food festivals to religious celebrations and autumn fairs.

Felline and Alliste, in the heart of lower Salento

Felline is a small and picturesque village, part of the municipality of Alliste, located in the hinterland of lower Salento, just a few kilometers from the Ionian coast. Its historic center, with its stone alleys and courtyards typical of Salento architecture, provides an ideal setting for an event that blends gastronomy, rural memory, and a sense of community. A visit to the Forgotten Fruits Festival is the perfect chance to discover this authentic corner of Puglia, away from the most beaten tourist paths, and to appreciate a rural heritage that the territory guards with pride.

Dates for the 2026 edition

The dates for the 2026 edition of the Forgotten Fruits Festival have not yet been announced. The event is traditionally held in early October; for updated dates, times, and programs, we recommend checking the channels of the Pro Loco Alliste-Felline and local tourist information.