When the evenings turn cooler in Torricella, a small town in the province of Taranto in Puglia, the main square becomes a gathering place for the community. The Castagnata, organised by the Sirio Unit of the Scout group Torricella1, is a simple and heartfelt reason to step out and join in.
An Autumn Tradition Run by Young Hands
Every good village festival has a spirit behind it. Here it comes from the Scouts, who organise the evening themselves.
That makes the atmosphere feel different from a commercial event. It is homemade, friendly and unhurried, with young volunteers serving and neighbours stopping to chat.
What Is a Castagnata, Exactly?
Think of it as a celebration of the season. The chestnut is the autumn symbol across Italy, and a castagnata is a get-together built around it.
Here the menu is delightfully short: chestnuts and wine. Nothing more is needed when the company is good and the night air is crisp.
- The warm, smoky smell of chestnuts drifting across the square
- The small ritual of peeling them with your fingers while they are still hot
- A glass of local-style wine to share at the table
- Conversation, laughter and a relaxed rhythm with no schedule to follow
A Evening That Welcomes Everyone
The event is relaxed enough for a group of friends, easy for a couple looking for a low-key night out, and comfortable for families with children. Kids tend to love the hands-on side of eating chestnuts and the sight of Scouts in their uniforms.
Nobody expects you to dress up. A warm jacket is the only real requirement once the sun goes down.
Tips to Make the Most of It
Arrive a little early so you can find a spot and watch the evening come together. Chestnuts are best eaten fresh and hot, so do not wait too long once they are served.
- Bring a light scarf or jacket, as autumn evenings can be cool
- Keep a napkin or tissue handy for sticky, sooty fingers
- Check the Pro Loco Torricella page for the latest details on date and time
Make a Night of It Around Torricella
Torricella sits not far from the Ionian coast, so a daytime stroll along the sea at nearby Maruggio and Campomarino makes a pleasant prelude, even in the quieter season. In the wine country around Manduria, you can also learn more about the region's winemaking tradition.
Then return for the evening and let the Castagnata do what it does best: bring people together over something warm, simple and delicious.