Orecchietta Festival

Orecchiette celebrations in Candela

The Orecchietta Festival is the gastronomic feast that brings Candela to life every summer. Located in the Subappennino Dauno in the province of Foggia, in the heart of northern Puglia, the village serves as the perfect backdrop. The absolute star is the orecchietta, the handmade semolina pasta that is the iconic dish of local cuisine and the entire region. Here, it is prepared according to the traditional recipe, tossed in savory sauce, and served at long tables in Piazza Plebiscito, the open-air living room of the historic center.

An evening of taste and community

Organized by the Pro Loco of Candela, the festival takes place on August evenings, transforming the main square into a large open-air kitchen. Volunteers prepare and distribute plates of orecchiette while the crowd—a mix of residents and visitors returning for the holidays—fills the tables set up under the square's lights. It is more than just a village dinner; it is a collective ritual that weaves the pleasure of good food with the joy of being together, amidst conversation, music, and dancing.

Part of the Candela Estate calendar

The Orecchietta Festival is part of the rich Candela Estate program, a series of events through which the Municipality of Candela and the Pro Loco enliven the village during the summer months with concerts, comedy shows, exhibitions, and family activities. The festival is one of the most defining moments of this calendar, as it highlights the local food and wine tradition and promotes a product that tells the story of the rural heritage of the Monti Dauni.

Candela, a village of the Monti Dauni

Nestled on a hill between the Ofanto River and the Carapelle stream, Candela is a town of medieval origin with a discreet and scenic charm. On clear days, the view from its overlooks stretches far across the Daunia countryside. Experiencing the Orecchietta Festival means discovering this authentic corner of Puglia, far from the crowded coastal destinations, where the tradition of handmade pasta remains a living and shared heritage.