San Paolo di Civitate Torcinello Festival

A community celebration centered on torcinello

The San Paolo di Civitate Torcinello Festival is the most iconic summer event in San Paolo di Civitate, a small town in the Alto Tavoliere area of the Foggia province, in the heart of northern Puglia. For two days, the town unites around its most beloved specialty, the torcinello, in a festival that blends gastronomy, tradition, and conviviality.

What is torcinello?

Torcinello is a delicacy of traditional pastoral cuisine: lamb offal, expertly rolled and tied, then slow-grilled until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Its preparation follows a rigorous process passed down through generations, overseen by local butchers in collaboration with the organizers. It is a dish that tells the story of the rural and pastoral culture of the Tavoliere, where nothing from the animal went to waste.

Music, street performers, and entertainment

The festival is more than just food: Piazza Aldo Moro and the town center come alive with concerts, street performances, flag-wavers, roaming bands, and bouncy castles for children. The program is designed for all ages, making the event a true community celebration that attracts thousands of visitors from the Capitanata area and the neighboring regions of Molise and Abruzzo.

A deep-rooted tradition

Organized by the Pro Loco "Civitas" APS, the festival has surpassed twenty editions, becoming a cornerstone of the summer calendar in the Foggia area. The 2025 edition marked the twentieth anniversary, reaffirming the affection of the residents of San Paolo di Civitate for an event that is both a feast of flavors and a gathering place for the entire community.

Notice: 2026, a year of pause

For the summer of 2026, the Pro Loco "Civitas" has officially announced a year of pause: the festival will not take place due to organizational reasons, serving as a year of rest and reflection. The organizers have assured that the event will return in 2027 "in great shape and at full capacity".