When the light softens and the air turns crisp, the countryside around Mottola, in the Puglia hinterland, becomes the perfect setting for a slow day outdoors. Cucuzza Pacce Village brings that mood to life with pumpkins, music, food and creative workshops in an open-air farm setting.
A Village Built Around the Pumpkin
The name already tells you the tone. Cucuzza is the local word for squash or pumpkin, and pacce hints at something playful and a little crazy.
Expect an event that does not take itself too seriously. It is an autumn festival (sagra) in spirit: informal, friendly and rooted in the countryside rather than in the town centre.
What a Day in the Fields Feels Like
This is a day built for wandering, not for rushing. You arrive, find a spot, and let the afternoon unfold between stalls, music and conversations.
The atmosphere is relaxed enough that nobody checks the time. Children run around, couples linger over a plate of food, and friends settle in for hours.
- Autumn colours and pumpkins as the visual heart of the village
- Live music and a festive soundtrack drifting across the open space
- Countryside food to share, seasonal and unfussy
- Creative workshops where hands-on fun is part of the programme
- Free admission, so you can drop in without any commitment
Workshops, Creativity and a Community Spirit
The creative workshops are what set this event apart from a classic food fair. They invite visitors to make, play and experiment, which makes the day easy to enjoy with children as well as on your own.
The event is supported by GALATTICA, and that community-minded energy is easy to feel. It is a gathering more than a show.
Making the Most of Your Visit
A few simple habits help. Wear comfortable shoes, since you will be on farm ground, and bring a light layer for when the autumn sun dips.
Arrive with an appetite and give yourself the whole afternoon. It is the kind of place where the best moments come from staying a little longer than planned.
Beyond the Farm: Exploring Mottola and Around
Make a day of it by wandering through Mottola itself. The town sits on the Murgia plateau, and the surrounding area is known for its gravine canyons and rock-cut churches.
Nearby Massafra and Castellaneta are easy to add, and even Matera is within reach for a longer autumn trip. After a day among pumpkins, a drive through the fall landscape is a fine way to wrap things up.