Il Mastrogiurato in Lanciano (CH)
When: September 6-7
Every year, from the last Sunday of August to the first Sunday of September, Lanciano steps back into the Middle Ages celebrating Il Mastrogiurato, a week of feasts, music, theatre, and ancient games. The medieval dinners inspired by the Panarda, the bustling fair, falconry displays, and the clang of armour all build towards the highlight of the celebrations: the Corteo Storico, a grand historical parade held on the first Sunday of September. This year’s programme reaches its height on Saturday 6 September 2025 at 5 p.m. with the spirited Tenzone dei Quartieri in the Parco delle Rose, where the neighbourhoods (rioni) of Lancianovecchia, Civitanova, Borgo, and Sacca compete in challenges brimming with pathos and pride. The grand finale follows on Sunday 7 September 2025 at 5 p.m., when over 700 participants in period dress bring history to life in the traditional Corteo Storico, evoking the splendour of Lanciano’s past. For more details see the event’s dedicated page.
Lentil festival in Santo Stefano di Sessanio (AQ)
When: September 6-7
Santo Stefano di Sessanio (AQ) hosts the 53rd edition of its Sagra della Lenticchia, a celebration of one of Abruzzo’s most prized legumes. For centuries, lenticchie di Santo Stefano have been cultivated on this high plain, valued for its delicate flavour. From 12pm onwards, food stalls will serve hearty dishes prepared with lentils alongside other local specialities. In the evening, the festival atmosphere continues with music and theatre performances. For more see the ProLoco’s page.
Read more about the lentils of Santo Stefano in the June 2022 issue of ABRUZZISSIMO.
Corsa degli Zingari in Pacentro (AQ)
When: September 7
One of Abruzzo’s most striking and deeply rooted traditions, the Corsa degli Zingari is a barefoot race, held in honour of the Madonna di Loreto. It has medieval roots and still carries the same raw mix of devotion and spectacle. Against the backdrop of the Majella mountains, the event draws locals and visitors alike to witness a ritual that feels as old as the village itself.
The event begins on Saturday with a concert. On Sunday, at 4pm children race barefoot through the streets, before the main event at 6pm. From the rocky ridge of Colle Ardinghi, runners hurl themselves down to the Vella stream and then force their way back up the steep lanes of the town, barefoot on stone and bramble, until they reach the altar of the Madonna di Loreto. There, wounds are tended, the victor is crowned, and the symbolic Palio – a simple cloth once sewn into the “good dress” – is awarded. Get there early if you want a good spot – as the event draws large crowds.
See the full programme on the event’s page.
Read more about the Corsa degli Zingari in the September 2024 issue of ABRUZZISSIMO.
Grape festival in Mosciano Sant’Angelo (TE)
When: September 12-14
The Sagra dell’Uva e del Vino in Mosciano Sant’Angelo (TE), one of the most popular festivals in Abruzzo, spreads across the town centre. On Saturday and Sunday, the streets burst to life with a parade of colourful floats, while food and wine stalls welcome visitors every evening. The festival invites everyone to roll barrels, stomp grapes, play traditional games like morra and tug-of-war, join storytelling workshops, and enjoy live performances, offering a spirited dive into the town’s wine culture and local traditions. The full programme is published on the organiser’s page.
Cantine Aperte in Vendemmia
When: 15 September to 19 October
Cantine Aperte in Vendemmia returns to Abruzzo with thirteen wineries opening their doors every weekend. Visitors can join guided walks through the vineyards, take part in grape harvesting, and even try grape crushing the traditional way—barefoot in the vats. The programme also includes wine tastings of whites, reds, and rosés, local dishes, live music, and workshops. Growing year by year, the event has become a favourite for families and wine enthusiasts who want to experience the atmosphere of the harvest and learn more about Abruzzo’s winemaking traditions. See the full programme on the Movimento Turismo del Vino Abruzzo page.
Honey festival in Tornareccio
When: September 27–28
Tornareccio (CH) transforms into a buzzing hub for “Tornareccio Regina di Miele”, a two-day festival celebrating honey and local specialties. The historic streets fill with stalls offering tastings and products crafted by local producers, from sweets and cosmetics to award-winning honeys. The town has earned the title of Abruzzo’s honey capital as it is home to some of Italy’s finest honey, produced by skilled local beekeepers. While there, you can explore the town’s open-air gallery of beautiful bee- and honey-themed mosaics on the buildings. The full programme is available on the event’s official page.
While you’re there: take a stroll through the old town to see the honey- and bee-themed mosaics on the buildings. You can read more about the town’s open-air gallery in the July-August issue of ABRUZZISSIMO.
