Mortadella Festival

A delicious celebration in the heart of Leporano

The Mortadella Festival is one of the most anticipated evenings of the summer in Leporano, a small town on the Ionian coast in the province of Taranto, Puglia. Part of the rich Estate Leporanese program (historically also known as R...estate a Leporano), the festival brings Via Alcide De Gasperi to life with fragrant stalls, outdoor tables, and an authentic village-fair atmosphere that draws both residents and holidaymakers from the coast.

Fried pucce with mortadella

The true star of the evening is the fried puccia stuffed with generous slices of fresh mortadella: a hot, fragrant, and simple sandwich that symbolizes a popular gastronomy focused on high-quality ingredients and authenticity. Each edition serves up dozens of kilos of mortadella, served directly at the stalls along the street, for a delicious experience to enjoy while strolling through the crowd.

Music, dancing, and markets

Beyond the food, the Mortadella Festival offers an entertainment program designed for all ages. Past editions have featured live music, roving performances, Latin American dancing, magic shows, and entertainment for children, alongside craft markets that complete the evening stroll. Admission is traditionally free, making the festival accessible to families, groups of friends, and passing visitors.

Part of the Estate Leporanese

The festival is organized by Cooperativa Futura Servizi in collaboration with GD Market and is part of the summer program promoted by the Municipality of Leporano, which brings together dozens of events including concerts, shows, food festivals, and cultural initiatives throughout the season. It is a calendar that celebrates local traditions and accompanies the warmer months with community-focused events.

Leporano between sea and archaeology

Attending the Mortadella Festival is also a great opportunity to discover Leporano and its surroundings. The town is famous for its seaside areas, such as Gandoli and the Saturo bay, home to the Saturo Archaeological Park and the evocative Torre Saturo, testaments to a past rooted in Magna Graecia. In the historic center, you will find the Castello Muscettola, the heart of local life. The combination of great food, crystal-clear sea, and historical heritage makes this evening part of a complete holiday in the Ionian Salento of Taranto.

The 2026 edition

Dates and the detailed program for the 2026 edition of the Mortadella Festival have not yet been officially announced by the Municipality of Leporano. The event is usually held in July as part of the Estate Leporanese festival: we recommend checking the official channels of the Municipality and the Estate Leporanese page to find out the confirmed date and times in advance.