Arrosticino Day – Abruzzese Arrosticini Festival

The Arrosticino Festival in Vasto

Arrosticino Day celebrates the most recognizable symbol of Abruzzese cuisine: the arrosticino, a sheep meat skewer cooked over a traditional charcoal grill known as a 'canaletta'. The event takes place in Piazza Alcide De Gasperi, in the Zona 167 district of Vasto, and is part of the city's official summer calendar promoted by the municipality in the province of Chieti, along the stunning Trabocchi Coast of Abruzzo.

Arrosticini: An Icon of Abruzzese Tradition

Arrosticini originate from the pastoral culture of the Abruzzo hinterland: small skewers of sheep meat, cut into bite-sized pieces, grilled quickly over hot coals, and served piping hot with just a pinch of salt. Around the fornacella (grill), an ancient, convivial ritual unfolds, with groups gathering to eat by hand, skewer after skewer. In Vasto and the surrounding area, this tradition is enriched with local variations that pair the charcoal-grilled meat with the flavors of the coast and hills.

What to Expect

• Food stalls with freshly grilled arrosticini
• Local products and traditional Abruzzese popular dishes
• Open-air evenings with a festive village atmosphere, starting at 8:00 PM
• A perfect opportunity for residents and tourists to enjoy Vasto's summer social life

A Summer Highlight in Vasto

Part of Vasto's rich summer event program, Arrosticino Day joins other popular gastronomic events that enliven the city during the warmer months, from the Fish Festival to performances in the gardens of Palazzo d'Avalos. The festival offers a simple, genuine meeting point that showcases the culinary identity of Abruzzo through its most beloved dish. For those visiting the Trabocchi Coast in August, it is the ideal occasion to savor arrosticini in their most authentic setting, amidst the scent of charcoal, music, and the buzz of the piazza.