Puccia Festival

The Puccia Festival in Sava

In the heart of the Taranto Salento, the town of Sava (Province of Taranto, Puglia) hosts the Puccia Festival several times throughout the summer. These themed evenings, organized by The Red Lion on Via Manin, are not your typical large-scale square festivals; rather, they are recurring, convivial gatherings that have built a loyal following by pairing authentic local food with live music and a relaxed, welcoming vibe.

The puccia: the star of the evening

Every edition centers on the puccia, the soft Salento bread served with a variety of delicious fillings. During these Sava evenings, you can enjoy pucce stuffed with meatballs, eggplant parmigiana, peppers, fava beans, sun-dried tomatoes, and bombette, following the classic combinations of Apulian cuisine. It is a simple, genuine way to rediscover a staple of local gastronomy, far from tourist traps and closer to everyday dining.

Music and atmosphere

Each Puccia Festival event has its own unique soundtrack. Some evenings are dedicated to Salento folk music and 'pizzica' dance, featuring DJ Tony Leo and karaoke sessions, while others focus on live concerts, such as the Oasis cover band that recently energized the crowd. The result is a perfect mix of a village festival and a local pub night, designed for those who want to dine on the flavors of Salento and stay late for music and dancing.

A recurring summer event in Sava

The Puccia Festival does not have a single fixed date; it repeats several times between July and August throughout the summer season. Admission is free with a required drink purchase, and the meeting point is always The Red Lion on Via Manin, Sava. Dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced: those interested in attending should follow the venue's social media channels for the updated calendar.