Christmas in Vieste: Traditional desserts

Vieste has managed to keep the most ancient traditions alive, especially the culinary ones, which reawaken the flavor of the history and culture of Gargano. During the Christmas period, the tables of Vieste families are enriched with typical sweets, handed down from generation to generation, prepared at home under the loving supervision of grandmothers. These custodians of tradition are true masters of local pastry making and use only genuine and local ingredients, which make every taste a unique experience.

Cartellate, the “Kulùstr” of Vieste: Symbol of the Gargano Christmas

One of the symbolic desserts of Christmas in Vieste are the Cartellate, known in Vieste as “Kulùstr”. These refined creations take shape from thin ribbons of pasta wrapped in a spiral that resembles a rose, with cavities and openings that give the cartellata a scenic shape. Once ready, these delicious sheets are fried in plenty of hot oil and then enriched with a covering of chopped almonds and honey, as per Gargano tradition. In other areas of Puglia, however, it is more common to find them immersed in Vin cotto, an intense flavor that gives an unmistakable touch. The Cartellate boast ancient origins, also shared with other cultures along the shores of the Adriatic, which make them a true treasure of history and taste.

Calzoncelli “Calzuncidd”: Sweet Dumplings

Among the most beloved Christmas desserts in Vieste are Calzoncelli, or “Calzuncidd”. Widespread throughout the Gargano, these small and delicious pasta parcels are filled with chestnut jam, or a soft chickpea cream. Tradition meets modern tastes thanks to the addition of cocoa, while more recent versions have introduced chocolate fillings, to meet the palates of the new generations. Calzoncelli represent a perfect synthesis of sweetness and tradition, a bite that gives all the warmth and welcome of Vieste cuisine.

Pettole: the sweet fried food of the holidays

Another protagonist of the Christmas tables of Vieste is the pettola, a delicious ball of leavened and fried dough, which conquers adults and children with its simplicity. Widespread in many regions of southern Italy, the pettola is part of the great tradition of fried pizzas and can be enjoyed both in a savory and sweet version. During the Christmas period, it is common to find it covered in sugar or honey, which make it a sweet Christmas delight par excellence.

Mostaccioli: Christmas in Southern Italy

Completing the roundup of Christmas sweets from Vieste are the delicious Mostaccioli, biscuits with a spicy scent, diamond-shaped and covered in dark chocolate. Perfect to accompany long festive evenings spent with friends and family, these sweets add warmth and sweetness to Christmas in Vieste. Unlike Cartellate and Calzoncelli, Mostaccioli share a common history with Campania, having been brought to Puglia during the Bourbon domination. Since then, they have become part of the local Christmas traditions, representing a meeting of tastes and cultures of Southern Italy that continues to be appreciated every year.

Vieste: A Christmas of Traditions and Flavors

Each typical dessert represents a piece of history that takes us back to the origins of Vieste, in a culinary journey that tells the deep soul of this land. Walking through the streets decorated for the holidays, with Christmas lights illuminating the alleys and the scent of sweets filling the air, is an experience that transports visitors to a magical atmosphere. Christmas in Vieste is not only a religious celebration, but a moment in which the community comes together to celebrate its identity through cuisine, offering visitors a taste of authenticity and warmth.

Savour Vieste at Christmas

It doesn't matter which typical dessert strikes you the most: whether it's the crunchy cartellate, the stuffed calzoncelli, the fragrant mostaccioli, or the simple but irresistible pettole, the Christmas in Vieste is an invitation to immerse yourself in tradition and enjoy the wonders of Gargano. Vieste is not just a place to visit, but an experience to live intensely, among unique flavors, enchanting landscapes and a welcome that makes you feel at home.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and, above all, Bon Appetit!

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Turismovieste.it is created by Diego Romano, Tourism Marketing

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