Stacchioddi Festival

A festival that feels like home

The Stacchioddi Festival is one of the most deep-rooted food and wine events in northern Salento. Every year, on the first Sunday of October, the historic center of Latiano, in the province of Brindisi, fills with scents, colors, and voices to celebrate the iconic dish of the local peasant tradition: stacchioddi, or strictly handmade orecchiette.

History: from 1978 to today

The festival was born in 1978 by the will of the Pro Loco of Latiano, with the aim of promoting popular culture and the town's gastronomic traditions. In nearly half a century of existence, it has become an unmissable autumn appointment in Puglia, capable of attracting residents and visitors from all over the region to Piazza Umberto I. The event is held in conjunction with the Fera, the historic October fair of Latiano, which has enlivened the town for centuries with stalls, markets, and celebrations.

The star dish

Stacchioddi are the Latiano version of orecchiette: small semolina pasta shaped by hand following the ancient recipe passed down by grandmothers. At the festival, they are served with a rich ragù and accompanied by brascioli, the meat rolls typical of Salento cuisine, all washed down with local wine. A simple and genuine menu that tells the story of a community connected to the land and its flavors.

More than just food

The day does not end at the table: the square, dominated by the imposing Palazzo Imperiali, turns into an open-air stage with folk music and pizzica, folkloric shows, and stands featuring local products and crafts. Over the years, the festival has adopted an environmentally friendly approach, using eco-friendly tableware in a plastic-free effort. The atmosphere is that of a convivial village feast, where lunch stretches into the evening between a plate of orecchiette and a dance.

An event for all of Puglia

Organized by the Pro Loco with the support of the Municipality of Latiano, the Puglia Region, the Province of Brindisi, UNPLI, and the GAL Terra dei Messapi, the Stacchioddi Festival represents a model of how tradition can become an opportunity for meeting, territory promotion, and food tourism. Those arriving in Latiano on the first Sunday of October will find an authentic, free, and welcoming festival capable of recounting centuries of Salento culture in a single dish.