Sagra de lu Purpu Octopus Festival

The octopus festival in the seafaring heart of Salento

The Sagra de lu Purpu is a small yet deeply cherished food festival held in Marittima, a coastal hamlet of the Municipality of Diso, in the province of Lecce, in the lower Salento region of Puglia. The absolute star is the octopus (known in the local Salento dialect as lu purpu), caught along the stretch of the Adriatic coast that opens up here into the picturesque Acquaviva inlet, nestled between cliffs and small coves.

A signature dish of Salento cuisine

Octopus is one of the most beloved ingredients in Salento's seafood gastronomy. During the festival, it is served according to traditional recipes: boiled and dressed with olive oil and lemon, in a salad, alla pignata (stewed in a clay pot), or as a rich sauce for homemade pasta. Alongside the main dish, stalls offer other local specialties and regional wines, creating a culinary journey designed for long summer evenings.

Folk music and pizzica under the stars

Like many festivals in Salento, the Marittima event combines gastronomy with musical entertainment. The evenings are filled with concerts of traditional Salento folk music and the overwhelming rhythms of the pizzica, which keep the marina lively until late at night, turning the festival into a collective celebration.

Marittima and the Municipality of Diso

Marittima is one of the hamlets of the Municipality of Diso, a village in lower Salento nestled between Castro, Andrano, and Ortelle. Its marina, with the Acquaviva inlet, is one of the most appreciated seaside destinations in the area. The festival is organized by local associations, including the Pro Loco Acquaviva Marittima, and is part of the rich calendar of feasts and festivals that bring the villages of the Salento Puglia region to life every summer.

An authentic experience

Unlike larger, more crowded festivals, the Sagra de lu Purpu retains an intimate and genuine character. It is the perfect opportunity to discover a less-traveled corner of the Salento coast, enjoy fresh fish, and experience the hospitality of a seafaring community that opens its doors to visitors.