How Abruzzo celebrates May 1
May 1st in Abruzzo is unlike anywhere else in Italy. From snake-draped saints to flower-crowned crosses, cheese-rolling contests to communal soup marathons — this is what the region's most beloved…
ABRUZZISSIMO is a subscription-only English-language digital magazine about Abruzzo delivered to your inbox nine times per year. Every issue is carefully curated by Anna Lebedeva, an Abruzzo-based food and travel writer, who invites local journalists, tour guides, history enthusiasts, photographers, book authors and other passionate locals to share insiders’ travel tips, their knowledge of the region’s history, culture, food stories, and recipes.
LATEST ARTICLES ——
Water Crisis in Abruzzo
On 13 April 2026, more than 250,000 people across 22 municipalities in the provinces of Pescara and Chieti go without water for almost 48 hours – an uncomfortable reminder that…
Easter in Abruzzo: where to go and things to do
Easter in Abruzzo is filled with exciting things to do. There will be many religious processions, traditional celebrations and, naturally, plenty of food. Starting on Holy Thursday, church bells will…
Where to Celebrate Carnival in Abruzzo
Carnival is one of the most colourful and popular festivities in Abruzzo. Celebrated in February, before the start of Lent, it still retains some old pagan rituals and deep-rooted traditions…
Feast of Saint Anthony the Abbot in Abruzzo: a guide to the best events
In January, Abruzzo celebrates festivals dedicated to Saint Anthony the Abbot (Sant’Andònie), one of Abruzzo’s most beloved saints. These celebrations blend deeply rooted religious traditions with lively folk customs, offering…
Avezzano Earthquake of 1915
The Avezzano earthquake struck on 13 January 1915, tearing through the Marsica area in the Province of L’Aquila, Abruzzo, and marking one of the most devastating seismic events in Italian…
Traditional Christmas dishes from Abruzzo
Christmas meals are taken seriously in Abruzzo. The traditional Christmas menu is discussed and planned in details weeks prior to the celebration and many dishes are prepared well before the…
Traditional Christmas Cake from Pescara – Parrozzo Cake Recipe
If you ask me, the best traditional Christmas cake from Abruzzo I will say "parrozzo from Pescara"! But I am biased: born and bred in the city, crazy about chocolate…
Christmas in Abruzzo: things to do and see
Christmas in Abruzzo is magical. The twinkling lights, jolly atmosphere, and delicious traditional food await you in picturesque mountain villages and, if we are lucky, the mountain peaks will be…
Where to see foliage in Abruzzo
Forests are starting to dress in autumnal colours. Pack your backpack or a picnic bag and head to one of these spectacular trails to enjoy the bright foliage in Abruzzo.…
Chestnut Festivals in Abruzzo
Every year Abruzzo celebrates autumn with lively chestnut festivals. Small towns across the region fill with delicious aromas of roasting chestnuts, hot vin brulè, and live music. Famous for their…
Best places to hear deer rut in Abruzzo
As summer starts to fade and autumn slowly appears, there are so many things to appreciate in the wilds of Abruzzo. The dramatic annual deer mating rut is one of…
September Festivals in Abruzzo You Can’t Miss
Il Mastrogiurato in Lanciano (CH) When: September 6-7 Corteo Storico in Lanciano during Il Mastrogiurato. Photo via Il Mastrogiurato/Facebook Every year, from the last Sunday of August to the first…
San Giovanni Celebrations in Abruzzo
San Giovanni Battista (St. John the Baptist) is a significant figure in Christian tradition, and his feast day on June 24 has been celebrated in Abruzzo with various rituals and…
Where to find Blue Flag beaches in Abruzzo
This year, the number of Blue Flag beaches in Abruzzo is 16, with a new entry – Torino di Sangro. The prestigious Blue Flag Award is given by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)…
Summer Festivals and Events in Abruzzo
Summer is here and with it come traditional festivals, sagre, and concerts. What are your plans? See below our pick of some of the best summer festivals in Abruzzo. We…
The Ancient Snake Festival of Cocullo
Cocullo is a small medieval town with a population of 200 people in the Province of L’Aquila, just over an hour from Rome and 40 minutes from Pescara. Perched on…
L’Aquila Italian Capital of Culture 2026
The Ministry of Culture has named L'Aquila the Italian Capital of Culture for 2026. The city will be granted one million euros to fund cultural events and initiatives throughout the…
The Feast of Sant’Antonio Abate in Abruzzo
Evviva Sant'Antonio! You will hear this exclamation across the region on January 16-17 as Abruzzo celebrates the feast of Sant'Antonio Abate, the protector of domestic animals and patron saint of…
A Christmas classic comedy filmed in Sulmona
“Parenti serpenti” (the English title is “Dearest Relatives, Poisonous Relations”) is a dark comedy directed by Mario Monicelli, based on a play by Carmine Amoroso and filmed in Sulmona, was…
SUBSCRIBE to ABRUZZISSIMO Magazine