Sagra du Ruccl – Traditional San Giuseppe Focaccia Festival
The San Giuseppe focaccia and the Nova Nouve bonfires in Gravina in Puglia
About Sagra du Ruccl
A ritual of fire and bread in the Murgia region
Every year, around March 19th, Gravina in Puglia (Province of Bari) pays homage to Saint Joseph with the Sagra du Ruccl, the festival dedicated to the Saint's traditional focaccia. This is no ordinary food festival: 'u ruccl is, as the locals like to say, "not just a focaccia, but an ancient ritual, a gesture of faith, and a profound sign of belonging" to the community. The festival is the delicious heart of the wider Nova Nouve di San Giuseppe event, which transforms the PIP area and Piazza San Giuseppe into a vibrant hub of popular celebration every March.
What is 'u ruccl
The San Giuseppe focaccia of Gravina, known in the local dialect as 'u ruccl, is a type of calzone made with durum wheat semolina and filled with spring onions, raisins, and salted anchovies, rolled into a spiral shape. The name is said to derive from the dialect verb "rùcchələ", meaning to rotate, which describes the very motion used to wrap the dough. It is a living memory of field work and popular devotion: since 2015, it has been listed among the Traditional Agri-food Products (PAT) of the Puglia Region and is prepared and sold especially in conjunction with the Saint's feast day on March 19th.
The Nova Nouve and the San Giuseppe bonfires
The Sagra du Ruccl takes place within the Nova Nouve, a festival that culminates in the lighting of the great San Giuseppe bonfires, a fire ritual inscribed in the regional Puglian register of fire-related festive rituals. On the eve and the day of the Saint, the PIP district lights up with piles of wood burning in the night, accompanied by pyromusical displays, processions, brass bands, and concerts. The event, now in its twentieth year, is organized by the San Giuseppe Lavoratore Association with the support of the Municipality of Gravina in Puglia and local associations.
A defining event for Gravina
Between the culinary competition dedicated to 'u ruccl, street markets, sports tournaments, parades, and live music, the Sagra du Ruccl is one of the most cherished events in the Gravina spring calendar. For visitors, it is the perfect opportunity to taste a signature product of the Murgia region, follow the religious rites linked to the cult of Saint Joseph, and experience the unique atmosphere of a community gathering around the fire and the table.
Sagra du Ruccl — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Sagra du Ruccl was part of the Nova Nouve di San Giuseppe, the program held in Gravina in Puglia from March 15 to 19, 2026, and organized by the San Giuseppe Lavoratore Association. The festival combined religious rites, sports, entertainment, and the culinary tradition of 'u ruccl.
The Sagra du Ruccl, with its culinary competition in Piazza San Giuseppe in the PIP area, opened on March 18 with live music by Don Peppe Logruosso. Due to adverse weather conditions, the final part of the festival was postponed to Sunday, March 22, when it joined the evening bonfire celebrations in the PIP area.
Programme Sagra du Ruccl 2026
Sunday, March 15
- 08:30 AM — Gravina in Carriage: 1st vintage carriage parade, at the PIP area parks
- 09:00 AM — San Giuseppe in Race, second edition of the running race starting from Piazza San Giuseppe
- 06:30 PM — Miss and Mr. San Giuseppe & Kids, second edition, at the Fiera San Giorgio pavilion
Tuesday, March 17
- 07:00 PM — Religious rites at the SS. Crocifisso church and San Giuseppe soccer tournament
Wednesday, March 18
- 07:00 PM — Religious rites at the SS. Pietro e Paolo church and opening of the Sagra du Ruccl in Piazza San Giuseppe with live music by Don Peppe Logruosso
Thursday, March 19 — Feast of Saint Joseph
- Accompaniment by the «Emilio Silvestri» band
- 07:00 PM — Procession through the streets of the PIP area
- 09:30 PM — Lighting of the great Nova Nouve bonfire, with pyromusical displays
Sunday, March 22 — Recovery due to bad weather
- Conclusion of the Sagra du Ruccl in Piazza San Giuseppe, joined with the evening bonfire celebrations in the PIP area, in an evening of music, taste, and identity
Among the guests and artists announced for the edition: singer Sabyna, musicians and dancers «Le Muse» from the Anima Scalza Dance center, Claudia Cesaroni (Radionorba), and model Arianna Tagliente.
Highlights Sagra du Ruccl 2026
Prices Sagra du Ruccl 2026
Practical information — Sagra du Ruccl
Where
Piazza San Giuseppe and the bonfire area in the PIP zone, Gravina in Puglia (BA), Province of Bari, Puglia. Food stalls and markets are set up in the PIP area and the former slaughterhouse grounds.
When
During the week of the Saint Joseph feast, around March 19th. The culinary competition dedicated to 'u ruccl and the lighting of the bonfires are the highlights.
Admission
Free admission. Tastings of the focaccia and other local products are available for purchase at the stalls.
How to get there
Gravina in Puglia is accessible by car via the SS96 Bari–Altamura and the SS99; the train station is served by the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane lines. The PIP zone is located in the industrial area on the outskirts of the city.
Organization
San Giuseppe Lavoratore Association with the Municipality of Gravina in Puglia.
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Where does it take place — Sagra du Ruccl
Piazza San Giuseppe – Zona PIP
Piazza San Giuseppe, Zona PIP, 70024 Gravina in Puglia