Sagra della Castagna

Nestled among the peaks of the Apennine Mountains in the Aquila region, the small village of San Felice d'Ocre transforms every autumn into a natural stage celebrating one of the season's finest fruits: the chestnut. The Sagra della Castagna, enlivening the village during the last weekends of October, is far more than a simple gastronomic event—it is a sensory journey through the rural traditions of Abruzzo, where every recipe tells stories of communities rooted in the land and the cycles of nature. Chestnuts are undoubtedly the stars of the festival, presented in countless variations to please every palate: roasted over open flames, boiled and still steaming, or as precious ingredients in sweet and savory dishes that blend flavors with rustic wisdom. Yet the festival offers much more than chestnuts: authentic soups, artisanal cured meats, raw milk cheeses, and desserts prepared according to recipes passed down through generations complete a culinary offering that is rigorously local and represents the true gastronomic identity of this region. Beyond the pleasures of the table, San Felice d'Ocre invites visitors to discover the authentic soul of the territory through folk music, artisan markets, and cultural initiatives that highlight the agricultural heritage of the area. A perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the colors of the Apennine autumn, breathe the mountain air, and rediscover those forgotten flavors that nourish both body and memory.