Summer is here and with it come traditional festivals, sagre, and concerts. What are your plans? See below our pick of some of the best summer festivals in Abruzzo. We have updated our annual supplement, adding more listings to help you decide what to do this summer in Abruzzo or bookmark for your next visit. You will find our ebook “65 Summer Festivals and Sagre in Abruzzo” in our online store.
PORCHETTA FESTIVAL IN CAMPLI
One of the oldest food festivals in the region, la sagra della porchetta, will be holding its 51th edition in August. A dozen Italian porchetta producers gather in Campli to compete for the gold medal and, for several days, the town fills up with the divine smells of roasting pork and the sounds of music, as various bands play Italian pop, rock, indie, and Latin American tunes. Porchetta is a moist boneless pork roast which has been made in Abruzzo for many centuries. The exact dates haven’t been announced yet, so check the festival’s website and their Facebook page in the coming weeks.
When: August 19-24
PALIO DELLE BOTTI IN CORROPOLI (TE)
The Palio delle Botti combines the excitement of a race with the grandeur of a Renaissance historical re-enactment. Celebrating its 39th anniversary, this competition involves teams from the town’s districts, each selecting pairs of “pushers” tasked with rolling a 70 kg barrel up a challenging course. Recognized by the National Federation of Historical Games, the Palio delle Botti is now a highly anticipated and celebrated event, drawing significant attention and participation not only from Corropoli but from across the entire Abruzzo region. On the second day of the event, there is also a competition for local kids pushing lighter barrels. The event is always accompanied by evening concerts and excellent street food. The dates and full programme will be published on the event’s website and and Facebook page.
When: End of July
UN CASTELLO DI BIRRA IN SANT’OMERO (TE)
A lively event in the streets and squares of Sant’Omero’s historic center. Showcasing an impressive selection of craft beers from local, national, and international breweries, the festival offers a gastronomic delight with wood-fired pizza, arrosticini, and porchetta. Each evening, the will be live music, followed by DJ sets. Visitors can also explore the town’s historic landmarks like the well of Palazzo Tanzj and the palazzo marchesale of Alvaro de Mendoza. See the full programme here.
When: June 25-30
LA GIOSTRA CAVALLERESCA
It’s one of the biggest summer festivals in Abruzzo attracting thousands of spectators. The city’s largest piazza is transformed into a Medieval arena, complete with sand, damsels, galloping horses, and knights, drawing thousands of locals and tourists. The Knightly Joust, features tournaments over two weekends in late July and early August. Before each competition, 600 locals decked out in gorgeous replicas of 15th-16th century costumes walk in a procession along Corso Ovidio to Piazza Garibaldi. The full programme will be announced soon on the organiser’s website.
When: July 27–28, August 3-4
MUSIC IN ALBA FUCENS (AQ)
Alba Fucens, one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in Abruzzo, hosts music concerts in the ancient Roman amphitheatre and stunning medieval churches Santa Maria in valle Porclaneta, Santa Lucia in Rocca di Cambio and San Pietro Alba Fucens. Make sure to stroll among the glorious ruins of what once was a Roman megacity (read about Alba Fucens in issue 22 of ABRUZZISSIMO, available to but here) before the concerts, it is especially beautiful at sunset. See the full programme on Festiv’Alba website.
When: June 29 – August 9
PESCARA JAZZ FESTIVAL
The International Jazz Festival in Pescara is turning 53 years old this summer. Over three weeks, Italian and international jazz musicians will give be open-air concerts in the port of Pescara, the Teatro D’Annunzio, and several other venues. Tickets for some performances sell fast, so don’t wait, book them now. The full programme is coming up soon on the Pescara Jazz Festival’s website and their Facebook page.
When: June 10 – July 21
IN OUR E-BOOK “65 SUMMER FESTIVALS IN ABRUZZO. SUMMER 2024” YOU WILL FIND DETAILED LISTINGS, DATES AND PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR PLANNING YOUR SUMMER ADVENTURES. THE E-BOOK IS AVAILABLE HERE.
