Discover Puglia
EAT
Unique Regional Cuisine...
Puglia is home to a distinct regional cuisine. Many foods of which can only be found in this area! We've highlighted some of our favorites to look out for while you're here.
Orecchiette
The most iconic pasta from the Puglia region, translate to "little ear" after its shape. Aldo's favorite pasta dish is Oricchiette w/ Tomato Sauce and Cacioricotta Cheese.
PASTA
Spaghetti all'Assassina
Dark and mysterious with a spicy kick. Assassina means “murderess.” Is she lethally spicy? We didn't think so, but it's definitely unique! It is baked in tomato sauce instead of being boiled in water, which gives it it's dark color and signature taste. Try it in it's hometown Bari!
Figliata
Translates to “Farrow or litter of little piglets.” Imagine a Big Mozzarella with a lot of baby mozzarella inside. The most of over the top and delightful cheese experience. You wont regret it.
CHEESE
Mozerella
In Puglia strictly fresh of the day and eaten the same day. Find them being made on the spot, tied in these cute knots.
Caciocavallo
A classic Pugliese cheese. You can find this in many different varities such as smoked, aged, seasoned and even melted!
FRUITS & VEG
Baratire & Carosello
In Puglia we don't know what a Cucumber is... too bitter. Try instead Barattiere or Carosello. Not a cucumber, not yet a melon... somewhere in between. Perfect likely fresh and crisp, perfect for salads or just snacking as is.
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This can only be found in this region, we were surprised to find that people from Northern Italy didn't even know what they were!
Fresh Fruits
Summer in Italy means fresh fruits abound. Take any and all opportunities to enjoy. Our favorites are Peaches, Apricots and Figs. Especially Figs...
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You can literally find fig trees all around and if you happen to see one ripe, better to take it than let it fall to waste!
Fichi d'India
This transplant from Central America has been totally embraced in Southern Italy. The dry sunny weather offer the perfect climate for them so you'll see them decorating the landscape, hanging on walls as decoration and sold in grocery stores as fruit. Brave the spines and seeds and find out if this fruit is for you.
SNACKS
Frisella
The queen of light and easy snacks. Just a crispy bread that is usually dunked in water for few seconds to soften up and then covered in tomatoes, seafood, or whatever delicious toppings you have.
Taralli
In Puglia, an aperitif is a nonstarter if you dont have taralli. It is the perfect snack at any time, especially with cold cuts and cheese
BREADS
Panzerotti
Every summer a Panzerotti Night is a must! A delicious pizza bread filled with cheese and tomato and then, as all best dishes are.. Deep Fried.
Pucce
Sandwiches are too common. In Puglia, we cook the pizza dough, open it and fill it with all that your imagination can think of
Focaccia Barese
When a pizza becomes thick and is cooked in a pan, it takes the name of Focaccia. Typically you can find this delicious bread topped with tomatoes and olives.
DANCE
The Spider's Venom...
The Tarantella or locally referred to as Pizzica, meaning "bite," is a regional folk dance dating back centuries, with roots that said to pre-date the Romans. No festival or wedding in Puglia is complete without Pizzica. Legend has it that this high energy dance is intiated by a spider's bite whose venom induces frenzied movement and the only cure... Dancing!
you will be expected to
DANCE
No sitting this one out. But dont worry, its not an over complicated dance; most people just completely freestyle. It's a judgement free zone, just move to the music! But if you want study up before hand. check out these videos.
Luminarie
A proud symbol of Pugliese design and culture, the Luminarie are ornamental light sculptures that can be found all throughout the region ranging from small personal pieces to huge city-spanning installations.
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The origins of Luminarie date back centuries to when they would place oil lanterns screened with colored paper throughout the city for festivals and celebrations. Due to the ornamental baroque architecture in which they were placed, the luminarie take on intricate baroque shapes; the most famous of which is the iconic Rosone (rose). Which happens to also be the inspiration of our wedding's logo.
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the festival of
LIGHT
Lucky you, you'll be in town during the biggest and best luminaire festival! The Festa di Santa Domenica – or the Festival of Light. A centuries old celebration dating back to the 1600s, when a saint appeared to an elderly woman and announced her protection over the city beset by plague. In honor of the miracle, the people of the town lit up their city with candles and oil lamps, thus giving birth to the tradition of luminaire.
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It just so happens that this festival takes place from July 5-10th in the very birth place of Luminarie: Scorrano, which is only a 30min drive from the wedding venue.