Zanchetta Festival

One of the longest-running festivals in the Capitanata region

The Zanchetta Festival is an unmissable summer event in Castelnuovo della Daunia, a small town in the Daunian Sub-Apennines in the province of Foggia, in the heart of northern Puglia. Reaching its 36th edition in 2025, it is considered one of the most enduring and renowned gastronomic events in the entire Capitanata area, attracting visitors from neighboring towns and the wider Daunia region every year.

Zanchetta, the queen of the table

At the heart of the festival is zanchetta (also known as zanghetta), a handmade fresh pasta typical of the village, with an irregular shape similar to maltagliati. Kneaded with durum wheat semolina according to ancient rural tradition, it is served in the most authentic way: dressed with legumes, particularly chickpeas and beans, in a tasty soup that tells the story of the area's humble and genuine cuisine. Prepared by hand by local volunteers, zanchetta is the gastronomic symbol of Castelnuovo della Daunia and preserves knowledge passed down from generation to generation.

Piazza Plebiscito in celebration

The beating heart of the festival is Piazza Plebiscito, in the village's historic center, where stands and tables are set up in the evening for tastings. The night combines the pleasure of good food with musical entertainment, with live concerts and performances that keep visitors company until late at night in a climate of great local conviviality.

Tradition, community, and solidarity

The event is organized by the Pro Loco G.B. Trotta, under the patronage of the Municipality of Castelnuovo della Daunia and UNPLI Puglia, in collaboration with the Borghi Autentici d'Italia network. Beyond the culinary aspect, the festival weaves in moments of solidarity and community appreciation, with awards dedicated to figures who enliven the village's life and charitable initiatives to support the local area. It is an opportunity to rediscover the hospitality and folk roots of one of the most authentic villages in the province of Foggia.

A village to discover

Visiting the Zanchetta Festival is also a chance to explore Castelnuovo della Daunia and the evocative landscape of the Daunian Sub-Apennines, amidst olive groves, wheat fields, and ancient traditions. The festival represents a dive into the rural soul of the most authentic Puglia, far from the beaten tourist paths.