An authentic immersion in the typical flavors of Gargano and Pugliese cuisine, and in the traditions of the town of Carpino (FG).
On August 12, 2026, in the charming historic village of Carpino (FG) in the heart of the Gargano hinterland, the Sagra dell’Olio extravergine di Oliva e delle Fave di Carpino (en. Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Carpino Fava Bean Festival) will take place. This annual event draws visitors each year in search of genuine, locally sourced flavors, making it an unmissable stop on the food tourism circuit in the Gargano and Puglia.
An opportunity to discover the gastronomic heart of the Gargano region.
The festival centers its theme on two main staples of Pugliese and Gargano cuisine:
Extra virgin olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), produced in the countryside that surrounds and embraces the town of Carpino (FG), in a climate imbued with the typical Mediterranean fragrance carried by breezes from the Adriatic Sea.
Here in Carpino (FG), the tradition of olive tree cultivation and extra virgin olive oil production has been passed down through generations, with techniques and methods continuously refined over time to ensure consistently high quality—recognized and appreciated, as demonstrated by the numerous national and international awards won by local producers, attesting to the excellence of the extra virgin olive oil produced in the region.
The most significant local cultivar is the Ogliarola Garganica, safeguarded by the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (en. Protected Designation of Origin) (DOP).
Local produce is harvested both by hand and by mechanized processes, ensuring an extremely short time from picking the olives off the tree to crushing them at the long-established local mills.
Fave di Carpino (Presidio Slow Food)
La Fava di Carpino (Slow Food Presidium) (en. fava bean) is a legume native to the town of Carpino (FG), prized for its delicate flavor.
Over the years, the drive to grow higher-yielding crops for both the market and the dining table has led to more land being devoted to products with greater output, resulting in a gradual decline in the hectares dedicated to cultivating the region’s typical legume, long integrated into its Mediterranean cuisine.
In recent decades, the renewed appreciation of ancient legumes and nearly forgotten products has led to a rediscovery of the aromas and flavors once savored in kitchens and around the table.
The Slow Food Presidium is a quality certification granted to these ancient crops, honoring local farmers for their commitment to offering a legume grown on small plots of land and processed using traditional methods.
You can recognize the Fava di Carpino (en. Carpino fava bean) by its smaller size compared to the common fava bean, and its much thinner skin that doesn’t leave a bitter taste. A small dimple on the bottom sets it apart from traditional fava beans.
What to expect on the day of the festival.
The Sagra dell’Olio extravergine di Oliva e delle Fave di Carpino (en. Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Carpino Fava Bean Festival) takes place on August 12, 2026, bringing the streets of Carpino’s ancient historic center (FG) to life with tastings of traditional dishes served at stalls lining the route.
Simple yet rich-tasting dishes, accompanied by the local extra virgin olive oil, the true star of the festival.
Folk music performances and traditional dances will enliven the evening, creating an immersive atmosphere for both the community and visitors.
Admission is free; you only pay for whatever you choose to sample.
For more information
For more information about the event and how to reach the town of Carpino (FG) in the Gargano region, including its historic center, please contact the Carpino Town Hall or the Pro Loco di Carpino.
Plan your evening: come savor the authentic flavors of our ingredients and let yourself be swept away by the irresistible energy of folk music.