The region of Abruzzo breaths history, culture and tradition from all its pores.
Celebrations, festivals, tributes and events happen every day.
In this article we narrow down the most unique and popular ones that are worth experiencing.
- Presepe Vivente di Rivisondoli (Living Nativity)
Every January since 1951, the lively town of Rivisondoli (AQ) stages the living representation of the Nativity of Jesus with hundreds of costumed people dramatizing the arrival of the Three Kings and a living nativity. Tradition wants the last baby born in town to play the role of baby Jesus.
- Festa delle Farchie (Farchie’s Fest)
On January the 16th, the inhabitants of Fara Filorum Petri (CH) transport the Farchie (bundles of tall and thin reeds) from their district to the front of the church of Saint Antonio Abate where, upon the command of the leader, are raised, ritually carried in a procession and then burned in a bonfire at sundown, with food and folkloristic songs to follow.
Legend says that St. Anthony saved the village from the French invasion in 1799 by transforming trees into flames to push the enemy away.
- Carnevale d’Abruzzo (Abruzzo Carnival)
Despite the increasing popularity of American-influenced Halloween, Carnival is still the main customed theme event in Italy.
It is celebrated in February with parades in several towns, with Francavilla Al Mare (CH) being the most long-lived in the region (since 1948).
- Madonna che scappa in piazza (Lady running in the square)
One of the many Easter related event in Abruzzo takes place in Sulmona (AQ), where this ancient tradition reenacts the moment when Mary sees her resurrected son Jesus for the first time.
Thousands of people gather to witness the path of Our Lady “running in the Square”, in a touching and emotional celebration that has been happening since the 18th century.
- Festa dei serpari (Snake Fest)
The most bizarre Abruzzo festival is held annually every May the 1st in the town of Cocullo (AQ) to celebrate San Domenico, the village protector.
The unusual tradition originated some hundred years Before Christ, when the locals worshipped the goddess Angizia, who was believed to be able to control snakes.
The snake handlers (serpari) showcase previously caught wild snakes during the parade, before releasing them into the wild again.
- Festa di Narciso (Feast of Narcissus)
Held on the last Sunday of May in Rocca di Mezzo (AQ), it is a celebration of the beautiful daffodils that grow in the area during spring creating a beautiful scenery after the snowy winter. It is a parade of creatively decorated flower wagons competing in a contest.
The origins are uncertain; some believe it may be inspired by the “Rose Parade” in Pasadena, California and brought to Abruzzo by previous emigrants who returned home.
- Giostra Cavalleresca (Jousting tournament)
A two-day competition between knights, preceded by a historical parade with 500 figures participating.
The knights have to insert rings into 3 targets, while the horses must run a complete oval in half a minute.
The event is held in Sulmona (AQ) on the last weekend of July.
- Pescara Jazz Festival
The first Italian summer festival dedicated to Jazz started in 1969.
Every year in July, Pescara hosts the most renowed European musicians in a calendar comprised of 15 concerts.
- Cronoscalata di Popoli (Popoli’s hill climb race)
If you are a fan of cars, you don’t want to miss this historical timed race held in Popoli (AQ) every August since 1963.
All kinds of cars compete in this suggestive race, from rally to historical vehicles to even prototypes.
- Cantine Aperte (Open Cellars)
A mandatory experience for wine lovers and party people, at the end of May the very best Abruzzo wine producers open their doors for a weekend of joyful wine tasting.
Be ready to jump from one winery to another, and don’t forget to bring a designated driver.
- Notte dell’Ilex (Night in the Ilex)
One of the most spectacular historical reenactments in Italy, at the end of July the town of Elice (PE) goes back in time and turns into an ancient medieval village, where only Ilexes (a made up Medieval currency) is accepted.
Events, activities and parades will transport you into a suggestive time machine.
- Corsa degli Zingari (Gypsies’ Race)
In the medieval town of Pacentro (AQ), every year on the first Sunday of September, this very peculiar ritual takes place in honor of Madonna di Loreto (the town’s protector).
The word Gypsy typically means “nomad”, but in this case it refers to “walking barefoot and naked”.
The participants of the race gather gather at the foot of the “Montagna Spaccata” rock, where they start a frenetic ordalic race that takes them back to the church, often with their feet bruised or even broken.
It is believed that this race symbolizes the transition into adulthood.
- Notte dei Faugni (Faugni’s night)
The town of Atri (TE) celebrates the longest night of the year (between December 7th and 8th) by lighting bundles of dry reeds (Faugni), knocking on doors, and carrying them in a procession attended by thousands of people.
The event lasts all night and is filled with folk concerts, entertainment, and of course, tons of great food.
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