Aquilano Timballo Festival

A historic festival at the foot of the Gran Sasso

The Aquilano Timballo Festival is one of the most deeply rooted and appreciated culinary events in the province of Teramo. It takes place in Aquilano, a small hamlet in the municipality of Tossicia, nestled in the Teramo hills at the gateway to the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, in Abruzzo. Organized by the Pro Loco Aquilano A.P.S., the event has surpassed forty editions over the years, confirming its status as one of the longest-running festivals in the entire region.

The timballo teramano, the dish for special occasions

The absolute star is the timballo teramano, an elaborate first course of peasant tradition that was prepared in these lands for major celebrations, particularly wedding banquets. Its distinctive feature is the use of scrippelle — thin crepes made of eggs, flour, and milk or water — instead of puff pastry, to separate the various layers of the filling. The dish is prepared entirely by the local women, who strictly follow the local recipe passed down from generation to generation: a true intangible cultural heritage of the Gran Sasso and Laga territory.

What to eat

In addition to the timballo, the Pro Loco food stalls offer other specialties of Abruzzo cuisine in a simple and genuine menu:

• the famous Aquilano timballo, served in its traditional version;
• the essential arrosticini (sheep skewers);
• grilled cheese with tomatoes;
• French fries and other side dishes;
• local wines and beverages.

Music, games, and conviviality

The festival is not just about gastronomy: the evenings are enlivened by live music, dancing, and entertainment that transform the village square into a place of celebration and meeting. There is no shortage of traditional games and tournaments, such as the briscola card game, in a welcoming and familiar atmosphere that is the hallmark of Abruzzo village festivals. Admission is free, and the event is designed for families, curious visitors, and lovers of good local food.

Aquilano and Tossicia

The village of Aquilano and the municipality of Tossicia guard a rich heritage of popular traditions, from copper working to religious customs and typical desserts. The Timballo Festival represents one of the most heartfelt moments of the local summer and a precious opportunity to discover an authentic corner of inland Abruzzo, far from mass tourism circuits.