Meatball Festival

The festival dedicated to the Apulian meatball

In the territory of the municipality of Crispiano, in the province of Taranto, the Meatball Festival pays homage to one of the iconic dishes of the Apulian table. The event was born from the passion of the family that manages Masseria Francesca and, in just a few years, has become a charming local festival capable of attracting food lovers and curious visitors from across the Ionian area.

Where it takes place: the Cento Masserie

The festival is held in Contrada Cigliano, along the road connecting Taranto to Martina Franca, in a typically rural setting. Crispiano is famous for its Cento Masserie (Hundred Farmhouses) trail, the ancient agricultural settlements that dot the countryside and recount centuries of rural civilization: Masseria Francesca, with its open spaces, provides the ideal backdrop for an evening dedicated to taste and tradition.

What to eat

The absolute star is the meatball, offered in numerous variations ranging from the most classic recipes to more creative reinterpretations:

• fried meatballs, meatballs in tomato sauce, and baked meatballs;
• the unmissable grandma's meatballs;
• special versions such as tuna and lemon-ricotta meatballs;
• preparations based on meat, stale bread, cheeses, and local aromatic herbs.

The tastings are paired with local wines and craft beers, creating combinations that highlight the flavors of Puglia.

Music and atmosphere

The festival is not just about gastronomy: the evenings are enlivened by live music and DJ sets, traditional folk dances, artisan markets, and entertainment designed for all ages. The result is a convivial and family-friendly atmosphere, where good food intertwines with the joy of gathering under the summer sky of the Taranto Murgia.

A genuine event that tells the story of the most authentic soul of Puglia, one made of hospitality, local products, and shared traditions.