Spring Festival – Maggio Rosetano

The festival that welcomes spring in the Monti Dauni

The Spring Festival – Maggio Rosetano is the event that marks the start of the season in Roseto Valfortore, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy perched in the heart of the Monti Dauni, in the province of Foggia, in the Puglia region. The town's very name—from roseto, a rose garden—tells of an ancient bond with this flower, which has become a symbol of identity, beauty, and the future here. Every May, the village celebrates its floral heritage with a day that combines nature, culture, and local gastronomy.

A day dedicated to the rose

The festival begins in the late afternoon at the Villetta Forestale with the talk "The spectacular world of the rose in all its forms," led by botanist Prof. Tiziano Del Buono. It is a journey that reveals the surprising uses of the rose—in cooking, popular tradition, and cosmetics—while exploring its botanical and symbolic history.

The talk is followed by a walk through the historic centre: an itinerary through the characteristic stone alleys and scenic viewpoints of Roseto Valfortore, discovering the numerous varieties of roses that colour the village and the surrounding area. The stone houses, carved portals, and fountains tell the story of a town that has made landscape preservation and hospitality its hallmark.

An evening in the square

In the evening, Piazza Bartolomeo III di Capua becomes the heart of the festivities with a musical evening hosted by Luigi Mossuto (Gargano TV), featuring local performers and musicians. Live music, spring vibes, and the warmth of the Roseto community transform the historic centre into an open-air stage, filled with the scent of roses and the flavours of the Monti Dauni.

A village alive with events from May to September

Maggio Rosetano is the inaugural event of the Summer 2026 calendar, a rich four-month programme promoted by the Municipality of Roseto Valfortore in collaboration with the Pro Loco. From May to September, the village comes alive with festivals, music, trekking, workshops for children and teenagers, folk traditions, and culinary events. The spring festival is followed by cycling tours, the vigil and patronal feast of San Filippo Neri, and the Romantic Night of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.

Why visit Roseto Valfortore

• One of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, set in the green Monti Dauni of Puglia;
• A unique floral identity, celebrated by the roses that adorn alleys and squares;
• An educational botanical talk open to curious visitors and enthusiasts;
• Guided walks through stone architecture, nature, and panoramic views;
• Live music and local flavours in a warm community atmosphere.

The Spring Festival – Maggio Rosetano is an invitation to discover the authentic, inland Puglia—the land of mountain villages where tradition meets hospitality and spring smells of roses.