Join In on the Party at the Puglia Festivals

Italian weather is often a dream: full of sunny skies, gorgeous coastal breezes and overall pleasant temperatures. This is partly why so many travellers flock to this destination for their summer holiday. Although the weather, culinary delights and scenic landscapes are a big draw, there are many other reasons people head to this region, too. For instance, the region sure knows how to throw an incredible party when it comes to music, festivals and good old-fashioned fun. It’s worth planning your trips to coincide with one of these events, as the region is rightly famous for them. Book a room one of the stunning Puglia hotels ahead of time and get ready to celebrate!

Music, dance and theatre

Any music you can think of is available to locals and visitors alike over the summer months. Two jazz festivals, the Locus and the Otranto festival, both take place in July and feature top name artists singing and playing the tunes. For something more classic, the Festival della Valle D’Itria in Martina Franca will thrill opera lovers. More modern songs and concerts can be enjoyed near Gallipoli at the Gusto Dopa al Sole. All the best reggae and hip hop artists gather there every year in August for one week at the end of the summer.

Wine and dine

Although late in the summer, every first weekend in September the town of Carpignano Salentino comes alive up for the thrilling La Festa. It is a time full of incredible food and, of course, local wine. With many Puglia hotels being on the coast, you won't find it hard to get involved in the many festivals featuring fresh and tasty seafood. Some of the most delicious can be sampled during Mareviglioso in August. Talented chefs and the local families prepare giant plates of seafood.

Patron saint festivals are usually a good place to discover new foods and tasty delights. Try La Cavalcata de Sant’Oronzo, celebrated in August in the town of Ostuni. Partying, dancing and singing are the order of the day, and you'll work up a hearty appetite for pastas, seafood, pizzas and much more.

Festivals outside the summer

Many locals argue that the best events take place in the hotter months, but there is always a party going on year-round for visitors staying at the top Puglia hotels. Religious feast days and holidays that honour family are always celebrated. Check out the town of Putignano every February, for one of the longest running carnivals in the world - Il Carnevale di Putignano. The highlight is the parades through the city streets, as locals dress up in lavish costumes and ride atop massive floats.

If you're staying in Puglia hotels around Lecce, join in the celebrations of the bonfires of the annual La Focara per Sant Antonio Abate. In January, the saint is celebrated with plenty of food, drink and storytelling around the fires.

Helen Forbes is from Essential Italy, a company specialising in Italian holiday villas, apartments and hotels. If you’re looking for the perfect Puglia hotels we can help. Our handpicked accommodation offers distinctive Italian qualities, great comfort and convenience.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.