Olive Festival

The Olive Festival in the heart of Puglia

The Olive Festival is the most iconic food and wine event in Sannicandro di Bari, a town in the Metropolitan City of Bari, Puglia, set amidst centuries-old olive groves. Every year, during the second weekend of October, the historic center and the grounds of the Norman-Swabian Castle come alive for three days dedicated to the region's signature fruit, offering a rich calendar of tastings, exhibitions, conferences, and performances. The festival, which reached its 40th edition in 2025, is organized by ARCI Sannicandro in collaboration with the local municipality and has become a classic of the Apulian autumn.

The Oliva Termite, queen of the territory

At the heart of the celebration is the Oliva Termite di Bitetto, an indigenous variety grown in the area of Sannicandro and neighboring towns. It is easily recognized by its rounded shape, firm flesh, and color that shifts from green to purplish. Hand-picked while still unripe and processed within hours to be preserved in brine, it creates the famous sweet olive that accompanies, along with new extra virgin olive oil, traditional peasant dishes. During the festival, it is possible to taste it in numerous variations, from table olives to gourmet preparations, while discovering ancient knowledge related to milling and preservation.

A program of taste, culture, and music

The event combines a passion for food and wine with culture and entertainment. The historic center and the castle grounds host guided tastings of extra virgin olive oil and local products, show cooking, educational lunches at the Castle Stables, conferences on olive oil tourism, photo exhibitions, and displays of agricultural tools. There is also plenty of entertainment for children, guided tours of the Norman-Swabian Castle, and local craft markets.

• Tastings of Oliva Termite, new-season olive oil, cheeses, and local bread
• Show cooking and educational lunches featuring traditional Apulian gastronomy
• Conferences on olive growing and olive oil tourism
• Guided tours of the Norman-Swabian Castle and the Stables
• Evening concerts in Piazza Castello featuring national guests

Evenings in Piazza Castello

Every night, Piazza Castello transforms into a stage. Over the years, big names in Italian music have performed here: the 40th edition in 2025 featured the legendary PFM - Premiata Forneria Marconi, alongside tribute bands and national artists, in a blend of tradition and live music that draws thousands of visitors from across the province.

How to experience the festival

Admission to the event areas and concerts is traditionally free. To manage the influx, the organizers provide a guarded parking area along the provincial road with a free shuttle service to and from the historic center. The Olive Festival is the perfect opportunity to discover Sannicandro di Bari, its castle, and the olive culture that has defined this corner of Puglia for centuries.