Kite Festival (RagazzArci in Festa)

A May Day filled with wind and color

The Kite Festival is one of the most beloved and long-standing traditions in Crispiano, a town in the Itria Valley near Taranto, in the heart of Apulia. Every May 1st, the countryside surrounding Masseria Pizzica—located along the provincial road 44 in the Pizzica district—transforms into a vast open-air playground where children, teenagers, and adults build and fly their own kites. Hundreds of colorful diamond-shaped sheets take to the sky, guided by the hands of little ones and their parents in a celebration that blends play, nature, and community.

A tradition since 1989

Now spanning over thirty-five years, the event was founded in 1989 and is organized by the Circolo Arci-Uisp "Mariella Leo" as part of the RagazzArci in Festa series, which has always been dedicated to children, adolescents, and families. Over time, the Kite Festival has evolved into much more than just a recreational gathering: it is a symbol of peace and sharing for the entire Crispiano community, a way to reconnect outdoors and rediscover the joy of being together, far from screens.

The day's program

Activities generally kick off in the morning and continue throughout the day. The schedule includes:

• Kite-making workshops, where you can build your own kite and take it for a flight;
• Storytelling sessions for the little ones;
• Traditional outdoor games;
• The "Versi al Vento" (Verses in the Wind) poetic treasure hunt, which combines play with the discovery of poetry.

Those without a kite can build one on-site during the workshops, while those who already have one can simply let it soar while admiring the creations of other participants.

An event for the whole family

The Kite Festival is designed for all ages, with a special focus on children and families. Admission is free, and the event takes place entirely outdoors in the rural setting of Masseria Pizzica. The festival is sponsored by the Municipality of Crispiano and has received support from the Apulia Regional Council over the years, confirming its cultural and social value to the region.