In August, Puglia is buzzing. Not only of sunshine and holidaymakers, but also of age-old village festivals, processions and folk dances. Summer is the time when Pugliese pride shows its best side. Everywhere you see lights, hear live music and smell the scent of toasted delicacies. It is the month of connection - with the village, family and traditions. Here, people not only celebrate, but commemorate and honour.
The most famous holiday is Ferragosto, on 15 August. What once began as a Roman rest festival is now the time when all of Italy pauses. In Puglia, this means long tables, family, music and fireworks. On beaches, people picnic late into the night. In villages, you see processions, complete brass bands and colourful light portals that turn the centre into an open-air party. Ferragosto is all about being together, sharing food and enjoying life.
In Salento during the summer months, you can hear pizzica - a rousing dance music with deep rhythms and hypnotic melodies - everywhere. The accompanying dance, the tarantella, dates back to the time when people believed they could be cured of a spider bite by dancing. Now it is mostly an explosion of energy and tradition. Young and old dance together under the stars, often accompanied by live bands with tambourines and violins.
What makes Puglia so special is that each village celebrates its own patron saint with its own feast. From Ceglie to Ostuni and Locorotondo to Galatina, each celebration has its own colours, flavours and sounds. You'll eat local specialities, drink homemade wine and strike up conversations with locals who welcome you with open arms. The atmosphere is intimate, yet grand - an experience you won't soon forget.
Olive oil also features during many of these celebrations. Not only in the dishes - from focaccia to grilled vegetables - but also as a symbol. The olive tree is often blessed during processions or used as a motif in decorations. For the Pugliezen, the olive tree is not a tree, but a relative. And this is also felt in our L'Oro Verde di Puglia olive oil - a product steeped in tradition and connection.
If you travel through Puglia in August, you will automatically become enchanted by the atmosphere. By day you taste fresh figs and grilled aubergine, by night you dance along in a village square full of lights. The warmth comes not only from the sun, but also from the people. And when you go home, you take that memory with you - in your heart, and maybe in a bottle of olive oil.
1. When exactly is Ferragosto? Ferragosto takes place every year on 15 August, and is a bank holiday in Italy.
2. Are these festivals open to tourists? Yes, tourists are more than welcome. You are often even invited to eat or dance with them.
3. What exactly is pizzica? Pizzica is a traditional dance and music style from Salento, with rousing rhythms and energetic movements.
4. What do people eat during these feasts? Many local dishes such as focaccia, grilled meat, vegetables in olive oil, figs, cheese and homemade wine.
5. Which villages are the most fun to visit in August? Alberobello, Locorotondo, Ceglie Messapica and Ostuni all have lively summer festivals.
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