Sagra du Diaulicchie Ascquante Festival

The chili pepper festival in the heart of San Simone

The Sagra du Diaulicchie Ascquante is the gastronomic event that transforms the historic center of San Simone—a charming hamlet in the municipality of Crispiano, in the province of Taranto—into a vibrant stage of colors, scents, and flavors every first weekend of September. The name of the event comes directly from the local dialect: diaulicchie ascquante literally means "little spicy devils," referring to the chili peppers that, with their fiery red color and pungent taste, have always been the stars of traditional Apulian cuisine.

The taste of spice on the table

The heart of the festival is its chili-based cuisine. Along the alleys and squares of the village, you will find food stalls where you can sample orecchiette with spicy sauces, meat dishes paired with chili-infused salsas, stuffed focaccia, mustards, and other spicy specialties of the peasant tradition. There is no shortage of local wine tastings, perfect for pairing with the spiciest dishes, in a culinary journey that combines conviviality with the rediscovery of flavors from the Ionian territory.

Chili peppers from around the world

Beyond the gastronomy, the Sagra du Diaulicchie Ascquante features an exhibition of chili peppers from all over the world, with producers and industry experts on hand to share insights into the countless varieties of this fruit, from the most delicate to the most incandescent. The displays, stalls, and educational moments make the festival a great learning opportunity for curious visitors and enthusiasts alike.

Music, folklore, and village atmosphere

The festival evenings are enlivened by popular and folk music performances, orchestras, and pop bands that get everyone dancing, along with entertainment for all ages. The atmosphere is that of a cheerful and genuine Apulian village feast, capable of attracting visitors to San Simone from across the entire province of Taranto and the wider Puglia region. Admission is free.

A community event in Crispiano

The event is organized by the Amici da Sempre association, which involves the local community every year in the preparation of the stalls, hospitality, and program. Born as a celebration of identity linked to the chili pepper—a symbol of a generous and sunny land—the Sagra du Diaulicchie Ascquante has become one of the most anticipated late-summer gastronomic events in the Crispiano area.