Sagra del vitello podolico (Podolica Veal Festival)

The Sagra del vitello podolico of Santo Stefano del Sole is one of Campania's most captivating culinary events, an occasion with roots stretching back to the 1960s that has won the hearts of thousands of visitors from across Italy. This festival is far more than a simple food and wine celebration: it is a tribute to the Podolica breed, a symbol of livestock excellence in Southern Italy's regions, and to Irpinia's remarkable ability to preserve authentic culinary traditions of superior quality. The true spectacle at the heart of the festival is the cooking itself: a whole calf weighing approximately 280 kilograms is prepared on a magnificent spit, subjected to a slow and expertly executed roasting process lasting at least ten hours. The skilled fire-tenders oversee every moment of preparation, seasoning the meat with natural aromatics and the prized Aglianico wine, transforming this process into a truly unique sensory experience. From the calf come two iconic dishes: the sandwich and the thin-sliced meat strips, two distinct ways to savour the perfection of meat with a deep and unmistakable flavour. Beyond these festival stars, visitors will enjoy other Irpinian delicacies such as Podolica caciocavallo cheese and the region's renowned wines. Two evenings of celebration, enhanced by musical and folk performances, will complete an unforgettable experience in the heart of authentic Campania.