Territory Guide

Guide to Majella e Peligna

Events, products, traditions and curiosities of the area

calendar_todayUpdated: 27 March 2026·location_onMajella e Peligna, Abruzzo
1

Introduction

The Majella and Peligna Valley are the wild heart of Abruzzo, a land of arrosticini, confetti, and gentian liqueur.

The area boasts 3 protected-designation products and 3 dishes of the local tradition.

2

Upcoming Events & Festivals

Here are the upcoming events in Majella e Peligna:

See all events in Majella e Pelignaarrow_forward

3

Recurring Events

These events take place every year in Majella e Peligna:

Giostra Cavalleresca di Sulmona

Luglio

Sulmona

Sfide equestri tra i borghi con corteo medievale.

Madonna che Scappa in Piazza

Pasqua

Sulmona

La corsa della Madonna incontro al Cristo Risorto.

Sagra dei Confetti

Agosto

Sulmona

Celebrazione dell'arte confettiera sulmonese.

4

PDO, PGI and local products

The protected-designation products of Majella e Peligna represent the excellence of the area:

5

What to eat in Majella e Peligna

auto_awesome
6

Traditions & Culture

celebration
Madonna che Scappa in PiazzaPasqua

Easter tradition: the statue of the Madonna runs to meet the Risen Christ in the square.

celebration
Giostra Cavalleresca di SulmonaLuglio

Medieval reenactment featuring equestrian challenges between Sulmona's boroughs.

7

Nature Parks & Protected Areas

park
Parco Nazionale della MajellaParco Nazionale

Sacred mountain of Abruzzo with hermitages and home to the Apennine wolf and Marsican bear.

8

Historical Figures

person
OvidioLatin poet

Publio Ovidio Nasone, author of the Metamorphoses, was born in Sulmona in 43 BC.

person
Papa Celestino VHermit pope

He lived as a hermit in the Morrone cave on Majella before being elected Pope.

9

Local Communities

The festivals and events in Majella e Peligna are organized by Pro Loco associations and local groups that safeguard the area's traditions:

auto_awesome
10

Curiosities

1

Confetti di Sulmona have been produced since the 15th century and are crafted into flowers and artistic compositions.

2

Majella is called the "Mother Mountain" for its hermitages and the eremitic tradition of Pope Celestino V.

3

Sulmona is the "confetti capital" and home to the Giostra Cavalleresca, a medieval tradition.

11

Frequently Asked Questions

1What PDO and IGP products are found in Majella and Peligna?expand_more

In Majella and Peligna there are 3 protected designation products, including: Confetti di Sulmona (PAT), Aglio Rosso di Sulmona (PAT), Pecorino della Majella (PAT).

2What should I eat in Majella and Peligna?expand_more

The typical dishes of Majella and Peligna include: Arrosticini, Confetto riccio di Sulmona, Maccheroni alla chitarra con ragù d'agnello. Each of these dishes tells the gastronomic story of the territory.

3What are the most famous festivals in Majella and Peligna?expand_more

Among the most important festivals and events in Majella and Peligna: Giostra Cavalleresca di Sulmona (Sulmona, July); Madonna che Scappa in Piazza (Sulmona, Easter); Sagra dei Confetti (Sulmona, August).

4What natural parks are in Majella and Peligna?expand_more

Protected natural areas in Majella and Peligna include: Parco Nazionale della Majella (National Park).

5Who organizes festivals in Majella and Peligna?expand_more

Festivals in Majella and Peligna are organized by local communities such as the Museo dell'Arte Confettiera and Pro Loco Sulmona. These local organizations are the guardians of the territory's gastronomic traditions.