Sagra te la Carne te Cavaddhru

The Seclì Horse Meat Festival

The Sagra te la Carne te Cavaddhru is the most anticipated food and wine event of the summer in Seclì, a small town of just over two thousand residents in the province of Lecce, in the heart of Salento and Puglia. Established in the early 2000s, the festival has become the cornerstone of the community: in 2025, it reached its 25th edition, marking a quarter-century of flavors, tradition, and local pride.

The tradition of horse meat

The name, in the Salento dialect, means "horse meat festival": the preparation and consumption of horse meat have been a defining trait of Seclì for generations. The signature dish is "lu paninu cu li pezzetti", a sandwich filled with horse meat slow-cooked in a savory tomato sauce. Alongside this specialty, local cooks and volunteers serve traditional pasta dishes, local vegetables, and typical sweets, offering a journey through the authentic, humble cuisine of Salento.

Folk music and village festivities

For two nights, the historic center of Seclì, dominated by the beautiful Palazzo Ducale, transforms into a grand celebration space. The tastings are paired with live music, featuring DJ sets and, most importantly, Salento folk music groups: pizzica, tambourines, and traditional songs echo through the alleys until late at night. Over the years, renowned names from the Salento folk scene have graced the stage, maintaining a deep connection with the region's musical history.

A community celebration

The festival is organized by the Pro Loco Seclì, in collaboration with the UNPLI (National Union of Pro Loco of Italy) and under the patronage of the Province of Lecce, the Municipality, and the Region of Puglia. Behind the scenes, a true army of volunteers of all ages works tirelessly: in 2025, there were about 150 of them, successfully welcoming thousands of visitors. The event is one of the most deeply rooted summer festivals in Salento and an authentic opportunity to discover a village often off the beaten tourist path.

When it takes place

The Sagra te la Carne te Cavaddhru is traditionally held in August, on the Friday and Saturday following Ferragosto (August 15th), in the historic center of Seclì. Admission is free; you only pay for what you choose to taste at the food stands.