Fornello and Zampino Festival

A festival rediscovering the Gioia zampino

The Fornello and Zampino Festival is the gastronomic celebration through which Gioia del Colle, in the province of Bari, honors one of the most iconic products of its rural heritage. At the heart of the event is the zampino, a sausage crafted in small 50-60 cm links, made from young beef seasoned with salt, pepper, and herbs, with a touch of pork. Skewered and roasted over embers or in a fornello (wood-fired oven) using oak wood and charcoal, it is served piping hot and perfectly golden.

The roots of a tradition

The zampino traces its origins back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when it was served in masserie (farmhouses) as a noble dish for landowners and offered to laborers during threshing as a hearty meal. Until the 1970s, Piazza Plebiscito hosted a festival dedicated to this product; then, the tradition faded for over half a century. Its recent revival has brought the festival back to life, gaining new momentum with summer editions promoted by the municipal administration.

An event blending taste, music, and memory

The festival takes place outdoors in the former municipal slaughterhouse, a structure that has been redeveloped and returned to the city. The evenings feature the lighting of the embers and the tasting of zampino and fornello, accompanied by local excellence: Primitivo di Gioia del Colle DOC wine, mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil, and products from local butchers and artisans. The food stalls are complemented by live concerts, book presentations, and spaces dedicated to the history and production of the zampino, offering an experience that blends food, wine, culture, and conviviality.

Gioia del Colle and the Puglia of taste

Located on the Murgia plateau, halfway between Bari and the Itria Valley, Gioia del Colle is known for its Swabian castle and a recognized gastronomic vocation, ranging from Primitivo wine to mozzarella. The Fornello and Zampino Festival is part of the Municipality's summer calendar, helping to promote local products and strengthen the bond between the community and its roots. For those visiting Puglia in August, it is an authentic opportunity to discover an ancient flavor and a popular festival grown around the table.