Every year Abruzzo celebrates autumn with lively chestnut festivals. Small towns across the region fill with delicious aromas of roasting chestnuts, hot vin brulè, and live music. Famous for their great food and lively atmosphere, the chestnut festivals in Abruzzo draw thousands of people from across the region and beyond. Here is our pick some of the best autumn sagre where you can taste local chestnuts this year.
Sapori d’autunno in Canistro Superiore (AQ)
When: October 20
Dedicated to the Roscetta, a local chestnut variety that is known for its sweet taste, this small festival is organised by a local women’s association who cook up a feast with food and artisan stands set up along the pretty old streets of Canistro Superiore. On the main piazza, chestnuts are roasted on a big fire. You can sample some traditional dishes, delicious pizza fritta, and buy Roscetta chestnut jam.
For details see the festivals Facebook page Sapori d’Autunno
Sagra della castagna Roscetta in Canistro Inferiore (AQ)
When: October 26-27
Another Roscetta chestnut festival, a bigger one, is celebrated in the lower part of Canistro. During the two days, you can visit chestnut groves, enjoy live music and feats on soups with chestnuts, caldarroste (roasted chestnuts), porchetta sandwiches and many other hearty dishes. The festival draws huge crowds, so you might have to queue for your food. There is even a special train organised from the coast, departing from Lanciano, to the festival. You can book tickets here.
For more information and full programme visit La Sagra della Castagna Roscetta.
Lungo Le Antiche Rue in Civitella Roveto (AQ)
When: October 18-20
One of the biggest and most colourful chestnut festivals in Abruzzo, it runs for three days. The town’s old centre fills with a buzz and the aroma of roasted chestnuts and sizzling fritters. The medieval town is bedecked with colourful decorations, and tables are set up in the squares, inviting everyone to gather and enjoy the festivities. This event weaves its way through the labyrinth of ancient “rue” that wind through the splendid medieval heart of Civitella Roveto. The festival commences on Friday afternoon and continues its merriment throughout the weekend. The town’s many ancient cellars are transformed into tavernas, serving up traditional local dishes, accompanied by live music and historical re-enactments. The full programme is published in the festivals Facebook group.
Sagra della Castagna in San Felice d’Ocre (AQ)
When: October 26-27
Celebrating its 36th edition, this autumnal event draws thousands of visitors with a rich array of chestnut-based dishes, especially the hugely popular desserts prepared by the local women.
This year, the programme includes horse and e-bike excursions, live music, DJ sets, and activities for all ages. There will be a special guided walk to the village’s surrounding chestnut groves. Food stands will be open for dinner on Saturday and both lunch and dinner on Sunday, with gluten-free and lactose-free options available. See the full programme on the festival’s page.
Festa della Castagna in Leofara (TE)
When: October 26-27
The two-day sagra celebrates the prized marroni di Leofara chestnuts. Visitors can visit the beautiful chestnut groves chestnut groves, sample the famous traditional chickpea and chestnut soup whashed down with hot vin brulè wine. There will be live music performances, including rock and roll, and a lively DJ set to keep the energy high. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year, offering a perfect blend of food, tradition, and music in this scenic and scarcely populated corner of the Laga Mountains. The festivities start on Saturday at 11am and Sunday at 9am. See the full programme on the festival’s page.
Sagra della Castagna in Sante Marie (AQ)
When: November 1-3
Held in the picturesque village of Sante Marie in the province of L’Aquila, this festival is one of the oldest and most popular chestnut festivals in Abruzzo, reaching its 51st edition this year. You can sample various types of local chestnuts as well as other typical products of the area accompanied by live folk music and dances. For more information, check out the organisers’ Facebook page.
Sagra della Castagna e della patata in Valle Castellana (TE)
When: November 2-3
As tradition dictates, the stars of this two-day extravaganza will be none other than the town’s cherished treasures: Marroni chestnuts and potatoes. Visitors from Abruzzo and Marche join the festivities every year to gorge on the local delicacies and explore the beauty of Valle Castellana with its charming hamlets and 700 hectares of chestnut groves. The festival starts at 6pm on Saturday and 11am on Sunday. Further details are available on the festival’s page.
Sagra della Castagna in Rendinara (AQ)
When: November 1-2
Visitors can explore the village’s old cellars, which will be open late into the evening, offering a chance to sample traditional delicacies. The festival also features a variety of food stands serving up local specialities, adding to the gastronomic experience. Complementing the culinary delights are an artisan market and folk group street performances. The festivities start at 9am. Find the details of the programme here.
Walk to the top of the village to climb on a giant bench (part of the Big Bench project) to admire spectacular views of the Roveto Valley and surrounding mountains.
Want to know more about Abruzzo’s chestnuts? Read our article in the October 2024 issue of ABRUZZISSIMO Magazine available here.