Frisella Festival

The queen of the Salento table

The friseddhra (frisella, in Italian) is one of the most authentic symbols of Salento's peasant cuisine: a durum wheat loaf baked, sliced horizontally, and toasted a second time until crunchy. Before being enjoyed, it is quickly soaked in water, then topped with fresh tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and oregano. Born as the bread of farmers and sailors because it could be stored for a long time, today it has become the star of a true folk festival that enlivens the village of Marittima every August.

A summer ritual in Marittima

The Frisella Festival takes place in Piazza Principe Umberto, in the historic center of Marittima, a hamlet of the Municipality of Diso in the province of Lecce. Organized by the Pro Loco Acquaviva Marittima with the patronage of the Municipality of Diso and the Puglia Region, the event has surpassed thirty editions and is now a fixed appointment in the summer calendar of Lower Salento. The food stalls offer the frisella in many variations, both traditional and creative, along with other typical dishes of the Salento tradition.

Folk music and pizzica

The festival is not just about gastronomy: the evening continues with Salento folk music and pizzica, the overwhelming dance that is part of the identity of this land. Over the years, historic traditional groups have taken turns on stage, and the public is invited to come out to the square to dance until late at night, amidst tambourines and ancient rhythms.

The village of Marittima and the Municipality of Diso

Marittima is a small hamlet overlooking the Adriatic side of Salento, a few kilometers from the picturesque cove of Acquaviva and the marinas of Castro and Andrano. Its historic center, made of courtyards and stone houses, offers the ideal setting for a festival that combines flavors, conviviality, and tradition. Participating in the Frisella Festival means discovering the most genuine soul of Puglia, that of the towns that proudly guard their products and their culture.

A free event for everyone

Admission to the festival is free: you only pay for what you choose to enjoy at the stalls. It is a festival suitable for families, groups of friends, and visitors curious to discover the authentic flavors of Salento, in a simple and welcoming atmosphere typical of village festivals.