Orange Festival

A festival born from the citrus fruits of the Gargano

The Orange Festival is the annual spring event that transforms Rodi Garganico, in the province of Foggia, into a grand celebration of citrus. This is no ordinary event: for centuries, oranges and lemons have been the town's main source of income, shaping the landscape, habits, and identity of this seaside village, aptly named the 'City of Gardens'.

The festival's roots go back to the mid-20th century; the first Orange Festival in Rodi dates back to 1950, as documented by a period report in the Vieste newspaper 'Il Faro'. Since then, the festival has been held annually, becoming one of the most iconic events in Northern Gargano and a tribute to the 'scented gold' of this land.

What to expect

The event takes place in the heart of the historic center, across Piazza Garibaldi, Piazza Padre Pio, Via Teodoro Moretti, and Piazza Rovelli, where food and wine stands are set up. The stars of the show are the citrus-based sweets and local specialties, showcasing the culinary wisdom of Rodi Garganico.

• Tastings of sweets and citrus specialties at the square stalls;
• Free guided tour of the Rodi citrus oasis, organized by the Citrus Consortium, to explore the historic orange groves;
• Folk music and street performances throughout the village streets, featuring the local Band and the group Le Mulieres Garganiche;
• A lively atmosphere filled with the scent of orange blossoms, market stalls, and local traditions.

The citrus fruits of Rodi Garganico

Citrus cultivation in the territory of Rodi Garganico, along with the neighboring towns of Vico del Gargano and Ischitella, covers about 800 hectares, benefiting from a unique microclimate and natural springs. This is the birthplace of the Gargano 'Femminello' lemon and orange, excellent products tied to a landscape of terraces and gardens overlooking the sea. The festival is the perfect opportunity to taste them and understand how deeply these fruits are intertwined with the community's history.

An event for everyone

Organized by the Municipality of Rodi Garganico in collaboration with the Pro Loco and the Citrus Consortium, the Orange Festival is a free-entry event designed for both locals and tourists. It is an authentic way to experience the Gargano outside the summer season, combining gastronomy, nature, and folklore in a single spring day.