Totò Meat Festival

The Totò Meat Festival in Collepasso

The Totò Meat Festival is a meat celebration that transforms Masseria Palmento in Collepasso—a small town in lower Salento, Lecce province—into a vibrant village square dedicated to local traditions. Born as a gastronomic feast celebrating Salento's flavors, the event has become a staple in June, attracting families, foodies, and meat lovers from Collepasso and the surrounding areas.

A festival born from a family story

The festival has a deeply personal soul: it is organized by Sara Manni, owner of the family farm, in memory of her husband Salvatore "Totò" Casaluci, who passed away prematurely at just 45 on January 7, 2023. From that grief, the idea was born to create a festival that would bear his name and continue his passion for the land, animals, and conviviality. The first editions in 2023 combined the "Meat Festival" with the Horse Meat Festival, a symbolic dish of Salento's popular cuisine.

The flavors of Salento meat

The heart of the event is the gastronomy. Within the spacious grounds of the masseria, you can taste traditional dishes prepared with the farm's own meat:

• Grilled meat cooked over the embers
• Pezzetti al sugo, the classic Salento meat stew
• Meatballs and other meat specialties
• The renowned horse meat, the historic star of the event

The menu is completed by side dishes, wine, and the genuine flavors of the Salento countryside in an authentic rural setting.

Music, markets, and festive atmosphere

Beyond the table, the Totò Meat Festival offers live music and DJ sets to accompany the evenings, a local craft market, and a festive atmosphere suitable for all ages. It is the perfect opportunity to discover an authentic corner of Puglia far from the most crowded tourist spots, where farming tradition meets the joy of gathering together.

Where it takes place

The event is held at Masseria Palmento, along the road connecting Collepasso to Galatina, in the province of Lecce. Admission is free, and the venue provides ample parking, making the festival easily accessible to visitors from all over Salento.