Taranto Pettola Festival

A festival dedicated to the pettola in the heart of Taranto

The Taranto Pettola Festival is a food and wine event that takes place in the Historic Center of Taranto, in Apulia, just before the Christmas holidays. Launched in 2024 by Taranto Grand Tour and Confcommercio Taranto, the festival quickly transformed the Old Town into a large, widespread stage where the scent of freshly fried pettole accompanies visitors along the island's narrow streets.

What is a pettola?

The pettola is a small, fried ball of leavened dough, a symbol of Apulian and specifically Tarantinian Christmas tradition. Prepared fresh in the shops of the historic center, it is served in sweet or savory versions: from the classic plain ones to more elaborate variations with salt cod, anchovies, mussels, cauliflower, mortadella and provolone, mulled wine (vin cotto), apple and cinnamon, or even versions with Nutella, white chocolate, and gluten-free options for celiacs. A cone of pettole is enjoyed at popular prices, designed to make the festival accessible to everyone.

A widespread event in the Old Town

The format is that of a widespread event: not a single stage, but dozens of shops, squares, and alleys involved throughout the Old Town, between Piazza Castello, Piazza Fontana, and the island's narrow streets. The festival intertwines taste with folk music—pizzica, tarantella, and traditional Tarantinian Christmas carols performed by itinerant groups—and entertainment for children, including stilt-walking storytellers and juggling acts.

Culture and guided tours

Alongside the culinary aspect, the event highlights the historical and archaeological heritage of Taranto: the evening features guided tours of the hypogea, the Sea Museum at the Clock Tower, Palazzo Pantaleo, and Palazzo Galeota, offering a chance to discover the millenary history of the 'City of the Two Seas'. The festival thus serves as an opportunity to rediscover and revitalize the historic center, combining gastronomy, folk traditions, and heritage promotion.

When it takes place

The Taranto Pettola Festival is held in the Municipality of Taranto (Province of Taranto) at the beginning of December, in the period leading up to the Christmas holidays and the eve of the Immaculate Conception. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced; updates are released by the organizers in the weeks preceding the event.