«U Minghiaridd» Solidarity Festival

Cavatello pasta, a gesture of solidarity

In the heart of autumn in Triggiano, within the San Lorenzo district, the «U Minghiaridd» Solidarity Festival is much more than just a food event. For over twenty years, the San Giuseppe Moscati parish has opened its doors and public spaces to celebrate cavatello—the fresh pasta known in the local Bari dialect as «minghiaridd»—and to transform every dish served into a concrete act of support for those in need. Born from the social vocation of the parish community, the event has grown over the years to involve other local parishes, numerous volunteer associations, dedicated citizens, and public institutions.

An Apulian culinary tradition

The undisputed star is the cavatello, hand-rolled by the skilled women of the neighborhood using techniques passed down through generations. The durum wheat semolina dough is shaped one by one with a quick flick of the thumb, giving it the characteristic concave shape perfect for holding sauce. Served with various toppings—from simple tomato sauce to traditional rustic Apulian recipes—the minghiaridd tells the story of the rural identity of Puglia and the Province of Bari. Alongside the fresh pasta, stalls offer fried pettole and other local specialties.

A dedicated gluten-free stand

For several editions, the festival has collaborated with AIC Puglia (Italian Celiac Association) and the company Essenzaglutine to set up an entirely gluten-free stand: cavatelli with tomato sauce, cavatelli with friggitelli peppers, onions, black olives and cherry tomatoes, cavatelli with turnip top cream, anchovies and gluten-free crumbled tarallo, as well as the essential fried pettole. This commitment to inclusion allows those with celiac disease to enjoy local traditions in complete safety.

The solidarity project

The true heart of the event is solidarity: for years, proceeds from the tastings have funded international cooperation projects. Thanks to the festival, two wells have been built in the village of Koumì, Burkina Faso, the «Garden of Peace» in Mammuras, Albania, and a middle school for the entire Koù valley, also in Burkina Faso. Eating a plate of cavatelli here means contributing to a tangible work of development and sustainability.

Music, shows, and festive atmosphere

Beyond the food, the day is enlivened by live music, performances, and entertainment for all ages, turning the neighborhood into a lively village celebration. Families, residents of Triggiano, and visitors from neighboring towns gather among the stalls in a convivial atmosphere that combines flavors, tradition, and civic engagement.

When it takes place

The festival is traditionally held on a day in October, marking the end of the Apulian village festival season. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been announced: we recommend following the official channels of the San Giuseppe Moscati parish and the festival's Facebook page to find out the exact date and program as soon as they are published.