Pizzarieddi and Local Products Festival

A signature festival of the Salento area in Taranto

The Pizzarieddi and Local Products Festival is one of the most beloved gastronomic events of the Mandurian summer. It takes place in San Pietro in Bevagna, the seaside district of the town of Manduria, in the province of Taranto, in the heart of the Apulian Salento. Organized by the Pro Loco of Manduria with the patronage of the Municipality, the event enlivens the scenic Piazza delle Perdonanze every year, just a few steps from the Ionian coast, on a midsummer night.

Pizzarieddi, a symbol of Mandurian identity

The absolute stars of the evening are li pizzarieddi, small, hand-rolled fresh pasta maccheroni crafted according to an ancient Salento technique. Considered the quintessential dish that has become synonymous with Mandurian identity, they are seasoned according to rural tradition and served alongside braciole (meat rolls). They are perfectly paired with Primitivo di Manduria, one of Puglia's most celebrated red wines, another local excellence that turns the tasting into a true journey through local flavors.

Folk music and festive atmosphere

The festival is more than just gastronomy: the evening is brought to life by the Pizzica Pizzica Ensemble, whose tambourines fill the summer sky with the dry, rhythmic beat of the pizzica, the ancient folk dance of Salento. Between taste and music, sea and stars, history and folklore, the event offers a multisensory experience that unites the entire community and the many visitors drawn to the coast.

An event by the Pro Loco of Manduria

Now in its twentieth year, the Pizzarieddi Festival represents an important fixture in the Apulia Region festival calendar and an opportunity to showcase local products, folk traditions, and the food and wine identity of Manduria and its coastline. Entry to the square is free, while dishes can be purchased at the various stands.