Arrosticino and Fried Cheese Festival

The festival celebrating the two icons of Abruzzo mountain cuisine

Every summer, in Isola del Gran Sasso d'Italia—a town in the province of Teramo nestled in the heart of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park—one of the valley's most popular festivals takes place: the Arrosticino and Fried Cheese Festival. Organized by the Pro Loco Insula 2.0, the event transforms the Area Terminal square (the San Gabriele parking lot, at the foot of the sanctuary) into a large, convivial open-air gathering for four August nights.

Arrosticini and fried cheese, the absolute stars

The two protagonists give the festival its name and define its soul. Arrosticini are sheep meat skewers grilled on the traditional fornacella, served hot and crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and paired with rustic bread and local red wine. Fried cheese is another cornerstone of Abruzzo mountain cuisine: a golden crust with a melting heart, a contrast of crunch and creaminess that wins over everyone who tries it. Alongside these two signature dishes, the food stands offer other local specialties washed down with wine and beer.

A festive atmosphere until late at night

The festival is, above all, a community event: open-air tables, craft markets, games for children, and nightly entertainment with live music, shows, dance schools, and DJ sets that bring the square to life until late at night. It is the quintessential village festival that brings together residents, vacationers, and tourists passing through the National Park in mid-August, in the informal and welcoming style typical of Abruzzo hospitality.

Where it takes place

The event is held at the Area Terminal in Isola del Gran Sasso d'Italia, a convenient stopover connected to the nearby San Gabriele sanctuary, one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Abruzzo. Its location at the foot of the Gran Sasso massif also makes the festival a perfect stop after a day of hiking on the trails of the Teramo mountains.