Autumn Festival at Rifugio il Ceppo

An autumn festival in the heart of the Monti della Laga

The Autumn Festival at Rifugio il Ceppo is the annual event that marks the arrival of the most poetic season in the mountains of the Teramo area. It takes place in the Ceppo locality, in the municipality of Rocca Santa Maria, in the province of Teramo, within the stunning Bosco Martese—one of the most extensive forest complexes in the central Apennines, located within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park.

The absolute star of the day is the chestnut, along with the prized marrone, the fruit of ancient groves that paint the slopes of the Monti della Laga in shades of copper and gold. The festival is an invitation to rediscover the slow rhythms of the Abruzzo mountains, amidst the foliage of beech and chestnut trees and the scents of traditional cuisine.

The day's program

The Autumn Festival consists of a full day of outdoor activities:

• Morning: Meeting in the square in Rocca Santa Maria and guided tour of the chestnut groves, with the opportunity to forage for chestnuts and marroni directly in the woods;
• Midday: Lunch at the mountain hut with roasted potatoes, roasted chestnuts, and traditional dishes from the Monti della Laga;
• Afternoon: Tasting of chestnuts and local products, followed by folk music and dancing to close the festival.

Local flavors and products

During the event, it is possible to sample and purchase genuine products from the Teramo mountains: chestnuts and marroni, honey, milk and cheeses, potatoes, and other specialties from small local producers. It is a great opportunity to support the economy of mountain villages and take home a piece of authentic Abruzzo.

An experience between nature and community

Born as a small festival linked to the chestnut harvest, the Autumn Festival at Rifugio il Ceppo has grown with each edition, becoming a beloved event for hikers, families, and nature lovers. The Rifugio il Ceppo, a reference point for those exploring the trails of the Monti della Laga, provides the ideal setting for a day that combines a love for the environment, the promotion of folk traditions, and the conviviality typical of Abruzzo's villages.

Rocca Santa Maria and the Monti della Laga

Rocca Santa Maria is a scattered municipality in the province of Teramo, consisting of numerous small hamlets scattered among the woods of the Monti della Laga. Its rugged and pristine territory preserves monumental chestnut groves, beech forests, and hiking trails that make it one of the most authentic destinations in the Abruzzo mountains. The Autumn Festival is the perfect occasion to discover this corner of the Apennines at the most magical time of the year.