Pasquetta & Zampina

An authentic Apulian Easter Monday

Pasquetta & Zampina is the festival that, every Easter Monday, transforms the historic center of Sammichele di Bari—a village in the province of Bari recognized as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy—into a giant open-air barbecue. From early morning until sunset, streets and squares fill with the scent of glowing embers, becoming an immense picnic area where great food meets fun in a convivial atmosphere that brings together families, groups of friends, and visitors from all over Puglia.

Zampina, the star of the show

The absolute star is the zampina, the traditional spiral-coiled sausage typical of Sammichele di Bari, prepared with a blend of meats and spices and strictly grilled over charcoal. Throughout the day, you can enjoy it as street food in classic steaming sandwiches, or seated in the tasting areas set up along the route, often paired with a zero-kilometer menu and local wines. The zampina is a true gastronomic flag for the town, so much so that it even has a famous festival dedicated to it during the Sammichele summer.

More than just food

The festival is much more than a food fair: it is a day of events spread throughout the village. The program alternates nature hikes to Lama San Giorgio, craft markets on Corso Vittorio Emanuele, art exhibitions in the historic center, roving street music performances, concerts and DJ sets, creative workshops for children in the Family Garden at Giardino Caracciolo, a funfair and inflatable play areas, and a sports and fitness zone. The Castello Caracciolo, the heart of the town, houses the Dino Bianco Museum of Peasant Civilization, which is open for guided tours to share the rural history of the territory.

A community celebration

The event is organized by the Municipality of Sammichele di Bari in collaboration with a network of local associations, including the Pro Loco Dino Bianco, and involves local operators, artisans, and volunteers. The result is an authentic Easter Monday, rooted in the popular traditions of Puglia, which celebrates the historic center, local products, and the hospitality of a small yet grand village. Admission is free.