The Italian region of Puglia is a very popular holiday destination for people from all over the world. The stunning scenery, beautiful towns rich in history, and interesting sights throughout the region make it a major draw, and it’s easy to see why so many choose to stay in hotels in Puglia each year. However, two of the region’s biggest draws are its food and its festivals. This is what you can expect to find when you enjoy a vacation here.
Enjoy the delicious food
This is where the vast majority of pasta in Europe comes from, as well as most of the fish consumed in Italy. The region also produces more olive oil than the rest of the country combined, and is famous for its olives. As for the kitchen, you will be spoiled for choice. Goat and lamb are the two most common meats used in dishes, and are especially common on grilling, so you’re bound to find them in local restaurants when you stay at one of the hotels in Puglia.
As for other specialties of the area, the orecchiette is a popular local pasta and the ‘panzerotti alla barese’ is a fried dough stuffed with ricotta and tomato. Along the coast, fish is popular, and you should definitely try a delicious fish soup, the ingredients of which vary depending on where you are. Other popular foods here include ‘cotognata’, which is a jam made from quince, and ‘latte di mandorla’, which is a popular almond milk drink.
Celebrate at Local Festivals
Eating the delicious food is very good, but you can do it at any time of the year. If you want to make your trip truly memorable, try booking hotels in Puglia during one of the big annual festivals.
Festivals in the region take place throughout the year and there are many that you can watch or even participate in. One of the largest is Carnevale di Putignano, which is also one of the oldest. The relics of San Stefano were transported to Putignano in 1394, and the festival celebrates that moment with parades, music, and more in January and February of each year.
Festa dei Beati Martiri Idruntini is a festival that takes place in Otranto in August for three days. It celebrates the 800 martyrs who were killed in 1480 for refusing to convert to Islam, and at the end there is a fantastic fireworks display.
Festa di Santa Domenica in Scorrano celebrates Santa Domenica, the patron saint. Huge temporary structures appear all over the city and it is a very colorful event.
Enjoy fun, food and festivals
Whether you decide to stay in hotels in Puglia for the food, the festivals, or both, you can’t help but love this charming region of Italy. If you travel at the right time of year, you will be able to witness some exciting festivals, but no matter what time of year you visit, the food will always be excellent.