Fiera delle Forche

The Fiera delle Forche in Sant'Eusanio Forconese is an extraordinary opportunity to discover the authentic soul of rural Abruzzo. During three days of celebration, this small village in the L'Aquila region comes alive with local craft markets and captivating displays of straw puppets—genuine works of art that tell the story of the community's rich agricultural folklore tradition. Every corner of the village becomes a protagonist, transforming into an extraordinary open-air stage where art, culture, and festivity harmoniously coexist. What makes the experience even more fascinating is the event's culinary dimension, where local gastronomic tradition finds full expression. Visitors can savor authentic dishes prepared entirely by hand with zero-kilometer fresh ingredients, rediscovering the genuine flavors that have nourished generations of Abruzzese people. Essential specialties include pasta alla chitarra, arrosticini (lamb skewers), brodetto alla vastese, and traditional sweets like parrozzo, all accompanied by local DOC wines and craft beers from the region. What sets the Fiera delle Forche apart from other Abruzzo events is its exclusive dedication to straw puppets—living symbols of agricultural memory—and direct interaction with artisans who keep techniques alive that have been passed down for centuries. The festival is not merely touristic, but a genuine celebration where the local community actively participates in preserving and transmitting cultural heritage. Live traditional music, interactive workshops to discover artisanal techniques, and spaces dedicated to the village's historical narrative complete a total immersion experience. The Fiera delle Forche represents far more than a simple event: it is an experience of conscious tourism, where tradition, authenticity, and human connection converge to offer visitors a rare opportunity for meaningful dialogue with Abruzzo's cultural and gastronomic heritage.