Maris Stella – Bocconotto Festival

The Bocconotto Festival in Conversano

In the heart of the Apulian summer, the Maris Stella Parish district in Conversano—a town in the hinterland of the Province of Bari—celebrates the Feast of the Madonna della Stella with its most anticipated event: the Bocconotto Festival. Traditionally held on the first Sunday of August, the event transforms the streets around the church into a vibrant celebration filled with the aroma of freshly baked pastries, market stalls, and music.

The bocconotto, the city's signature pastry

The undisputed star is the bocconotto, a traditional pastry of Conversano and all of Puglia. It consists of a small shortcrust shell made with extra virgin olive oil—a testament to the region's Mediterranean identity, where oil replaces butter even in baking—filled with custard and black cherry. Its name stems from its small size: a treat designed to be eaten in a single bite. In Conversano's tradition, the bocconotto was the go-to dessert for name days and major celebrations, and it returns to the spotlight at the festival, offered and sold at stands run by parish volunteers.

Faith, folklore, and music

The festival originated within the religious celebrations honoring the Madonna della Stella (Maris Stella, Star of the Sea) and blends devotion with conviviality. Alongside the food stalls, the evening is enlivened by folk music and performances that draw families and visitors from neighboring towns, creating the authentic neighborhood atmosphere typical of the Murgia dei Trulli villages.

Bocconotto and wine

Over the years, the festival has expanded to include events dedicated to showcasing the product. In the 2025 edition, as part of the city's summer program, the parish hosted a "Bocconotto & Wine" masterclass in collaboration with AIS Puglia. Led by a sommelier, the session explored pairings between the pastry and a selection of local wines, offering a sophisticated take on this traditional treat.

A festival to experience

With free admission and a genuine atmosphere, the Bocconotto Festival is the perfect opportunity to discover Conversano in summer: explore the historic center, the Aragonese Castle, the Romanesque Cathedral, and, of course, taste the pastry that carries the city's name throughout Puglia.