Giallorosso Tomato Festival

The Giallorosso Tomato Festival in Crispiano

Every autumn, the village of San Simone, a hamlet of Crispiano in the province of Taranto, hosts the Giallorosso Tomato Festival, a celebration dedicated to one of the most iconic products of the Apulian countryside. Organized by the Pro Loco Crispiano APS with the support of the Municipality of Crispiano and the Puglia Region, the festival has become a highly anticipated local event, forming part of the broader Festival of the 100 Masserie, which showcases the region's rich rural heritage.

The Giallorosso tomato, a Slow Food Presidium

The undisputed star is the Giallorosso tomato of Crispiano, a local variety recognized as a Slow Food Presidium. With its unique color—shifting from yellow to red—and its intense, traditional flavor, it is the fruit of a farming heritage passed down through generations. The festival was created to promote and protect this culinary excellence, a symbol of an agricultural culture deeply rooted in the masserie and vegetable gardens of the Taranto area.

The village of San Simone and the landscape of the masserie

The event takes place in the picturesque village of San Simone, nestled within the landscape of Crispiano's famous hundred masserie. The narrow streets and small squares come alive with Earth Markets, featuring food stalls and direct sales from small local producers. Nature excursions are also available to explore the surrounding countryside, offering a perfect way to combine gastronomy with local discovery.

Music, flavor, and community

The program features a mix of social gatherings and entertainment: a community lunch, Giallorosso tomato tastings, live folk music, street performers, and exhibitions, such as the display of vintage Fiat 500 cars. Dedicated spaces for children, including comedy shows and workshops, make the festival a family-friendly experience.

A free event in the heart of Puglia

Participation in the Giallorosso Tomato Festival is open and free of charge. It is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic corner of Puglia, savor traditional dishes, and experience the warm atmosphere of a village festival that celebrates the land and those who cultivate it.