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Abruzzo, Italy has a long and varied history has resulted in many processions, fairs and carnivals depicting various regional historical events. Nearly all the towns and villages participate and it is a great way to taste the local wine, olive oil, cheese, truffles, chestnuts etc. Some of the festivals are described below but there are many more:
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January:
In Picciano, Abruzzo: Traditional Befana Festival. (Befana is an old lady who gives gifts to good children and coal to bad ones).
In Rivisondoli, Abruzzo: Nativity Scene Brought To Life. Hundreds of costumed figures re-enact the arrival of the Three Kings at the manger.
In Fara Filiorum Petri, Abruzzo: Farchie Festival. Giant torches illuminate the Festival of St. Anthony. |
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February:
In most towns and large villages in
Abruzzo: Carnival Festivities, Carnival Parade of Floats. 40 days before Easter all the children dress up and throw confetti.
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Easter time (March/April):
In most towns and large villages in Abruzzo: Easter Parades and festivities. These take place during the day and at night.
L'Aquila, Abruzzo: Good Friday Procession. (At sunset on Good Friday.)
San Valentino, Abruzzo: Frittata (giant omelette) Festival (on Good Friday).
Sulmona, Abruzzo: La Madonna in Piazza. Medieval folklore event culminating in a staged pageant (on Easter Sunday). |
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May:
In Cocullo, Abruzzo: Snake Handlers' Procession. A statue of the town's patron saint, St. Dominic (covered with live serpents), is carried through the town (on the first Thursday in May).
In Bucchianico, Abruzzo: Flower Festival. Re-enactment of a 13th-century military stratagem that saved the town from destruction. It features costumed parades, flower-bedecked carts and exquisite miniature flower floats worn on the local ladies' heads (on the third Sunday of May).
In Rocca di Mezzo, Abruzzo: Daffodil Festival. Folklore dances, presentations and a parade of flowery floats to celebrate the arrival of spring (on the last Sunday in May). |
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June:
In Raiano , Abruzzo: cherry festival. Many different kinds of cherries arrive from all over the country to be tasted.
In Pianella, Abruzzo: Town's Festival. Lots to do and see, with many products from the local area.
In Pescara,
Abruzzo: Flower Festival.
In Loreto Aprutino,
Abruzzo: Procession of the Ox. This beautifully-costumed procession culminates in an ornate ox kneeling before the statue of St. Zopito (on the Monday after Pentecost). |
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July:
In San Omero, Abruzzo: Beer Festival. Visitors can taste many kinds of beer and there is a large variety of locally -grown produce, both free and for sale.
In Acciano, Abruzzo: Wine and Truffle Festival. Wine from the region and the world-famous locally-grown truffles.
In Manopello: Pasta Festival.
In Villamagna,
Abruzzo: The Turks and St. Margarita Historical Re-enactmett.It is possible to taste the local wines, cheese and olive oil, as well as other products..
In Pescara,
Abruzzo: Jazz Festival. |
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August:
In Cappelle Sul Tavo, Abruzzo: Palio del Pupo. Costumed races. It is possible to taste the local wines, cheese and olive oil, as well as other products.
In Cepagatti, Abruzzo: Historical Parade with Floats, Fireworks and Festivities.
Traditional wedding ceremony: re-enactment of the unique local wedding customs.
In Pescara, Abruzzo: Festival of the Fishermen. On the 1st Sunday in August, there is a fair during which the fishermen take anyone who wants to go out for a procession in the sea.
In Collicello di Cagnano, Abruzzo: Wild Boar Festival. Try the famous sausages and other products made from wild boar. It is also posible to taste the local wines, cheese, olive oil, as well as other local products.
In Popoli, Abruzzo: Trout and Shrimp Festival.
In Celano,
Abruzzo: Costumed Procession and Fireworks (in late August).
In Cappelle Sul Tavo, Abruzzo: Palio of the Puppets. Giant puppets form a procession through the town, culminating in fireworks.
In Cappelle Sul Tavo, Abruzzo: Ploughing Festival. Re-enactment of a 17th-century custom, culminating in a race to plough the most perfect furrow (on the last Saturday in August). It is also possible to taste the local wines, cheese, olive oil, as well as other local products.. |
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September:
In Pacentro,
Abruzzo: Festival of the Madonna of Loreto. Includes a traditional bare-foot "gypsy race" (on the first Sunday in September).
In Lanciano, Abruzzo: Medieval Pageant and Horse Race. It is also possible to taste the local wines, cheese, olive oil, as well as other local products. |
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October:
Villa Santa Maria, Abruzzo: Culinary Festival. World-famous chefs who originate from the region gather for a three-day demonstration of their skills, based on techniques and recipes that date back over centuries. You can taste the local wines, cheese and olive oil, as well as other products.
In Montonico,
Abruzzo: Bisenti Festa of Grapes and Wine. The local vineyards send their wines to the town, for a free wine-tasting session.
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November:
In Valle Castellana, Abruzzo: Chestnut and Potato Festival.
In Scanno, Abruzzo: Bonfire Festival. Enormous bonfires are lit on the surrounding hillsides to commemorate St. Martin. |
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December:
In Carunchio,
Abruzzo: White Truffle Festival. You can taste the white truffles, local wines, cheese, olive oil and other products.
The towns and villages of
Abruzzo have nativity scenes in main churches and all have a variety of processions and religious festivals to celebrate Christmas.
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