In the whitewashed lanes of Molfetta's old town, on Puglia's Adriatic coast, there is a morning where the youngest guests take centre stage. Mani in pasta is a hands-on workshop for children aged 6 to 10, built around a traditional local specialty: U Trìdd.
Little hands, big tradition
The name of the workshop says it all: mani in pasta, hands right in the dough. Children are not spectators here. They are invited to touch, shape and discover how a recipe from Molfetta's culinary heritage comes to life.
The session is led by master Teo Catanzaro, who guides the group step by step. Expect a patient, playful teacher rather than a formal lesson.
What happens at the table
A workshop like this is a feast for the senses. Kids get to feel the texture of the ingredients, watch the gestures of an expert and then try them out for themselves.
- Hands-on preparation: every child takes part in making the specialty
- Local dialect and stories: even the name, U Trìdd, is a small lesson in Molfetta's identity
- Learning by doing: a master's gestures are the best recipe book
- The pride of showing off: children leave knowing something their friends back home don't
Why Molfetta is the right setting
Molfetta is a fishing and seafaring town, and its centro storico still feels lived in, with neighbours chatting and the sea never far away. Food here is part of daily life, handed down from grandmothers and masters rather than from cookbooks.
That makes a cooking workshop in the historic centre more than an activity. It is a way for children to connect with the place where they are on holiday, through something they can taste.
Make a morning of it
Once the apron comes off, the old town is perfect for a slow stroll. The Duomo Vecchio, a Romanesque cathedral overlooking the water, is a short walk away, and the harbour is a good spot to watch fishing boats and the town's maritime life.
Families with energy to spare can continue along the seafront promenade, where kids can run freely while adults enjoy the Adriatic breeze. A gelato afterwards is practically compulsory.
Tips for parents
- Dress the little ones in clothes that can get messy
- Encourage questions: Teo Catanzaro's knowledge is the real treasure
- Arrive a few minutes early to settle in and find the group
- Check the Pro Loco's updates, as workshop dates and places can change
For families visiting Molfetta, this is a rare chance to swap the beach for something creative and delicious. Children learn a tradition, parents get a lovely glimpse of local life, and everyone goes home a little closer to Puglia.