28th Sagra del Maialetto

Some recipes belong not only to the kitchen, but also to the collective memory of an entire town. In Apollosa, one of these is the traditional maialetto, the speciality at the heart of a festival that has brought together food, community and local traditions for twenty-eight editions.
From 11 to 13 September 2026, the Sagra del Maialetto returns for three days organised by the Pro Loco of Apollosa and dedicated to a dish that has gradually become one of the town’s culinary symbols.
The festival menu centres on maialetto prepared according to local tradition, accompanied by fresh egg tagliatelle with meat ragù, beer and DOC and IGT wines from the Taburno area. These generous, familiar flavours recall a culinary culture shaped by patience, craftsmanship and recipes shared across generations.
Visitors will be welcomed inside a large marquee providing 1,500 covered seats, which will become an enormous shared table for three days. Each evening will offer a different musical atmosphere, ranging from ballroom and Latin-American music to folk performances and DJ sets. Sunday will also feature a traditional lunch accompanied by live music.
The festival offers an opportunity to discover other places and stories connected with Apollosa. Visitors can reach the evocative Cantina Francesca, explore stands showcasing local products and visit the MECA Museum and an exhibition dedicated to the First World War.
The event also holds UNPLI’s national Sagra di Qualità recognition, awarded to festivals committed to preserving traditions and maintaining a strong relationship with their territory.
The Sagra del Maialetto therefore tells a story extending beyond a single dish: it is the story of local volunteers, a recipe passed down over time and a community ready to welcome visitors through its flavours.

Programme

Friday, 11 September

7:00 pm – Official opening and food stalls open
9:00 pm – Baraconda Music Band, featuring ballroom and Latin-American music, organised by the Parish of Santa Maria Assunta in Piazza C. Grasso

Saturday, 12 September

7:00 pm – Food stalls open
9:00 pm – Janua, in the festival area
9:00 pm – Bintonic, in Piazza C. Grasso
11:00 pm – Pig Saturday Night DJ set in the festival area

Sunday, 13 September

10:00–11:30 am – Food stalls open for takeaway service only
12:00 pm – Sunday lunch available by reservation, accompanied by live music from Marco Zollo
4:00 pm – Maialetto Afternoon Party with DJ set
7:00 pm – Food stalls open