Borgo in Sagra

Borgo in Sagra, the summer festival of Alanno

Borgo in Sagra is one of the longest-running and most beloved food and wine events in the Pescara hinterland. Every year, in late July or early August, the historic center of Alanno, a small hillside village in the Province of Pescara in Abruzzo, turns into a large open-air stage filled with food stalls, music, entertainment, and crafts. Historically known as the Lentil and Fried Dough Festival, the event is organized by the Associazione Il Girasole in collaboration with the Municipality of Alanno.

A history spanning over forty years

The festival has its roots in 1980, when it was founded by the Circolo Pescaccia: since then, it has involved generations of Alanno residents, becoming a staple of the Abruzzo summer calendar. Over the decades, the event has grown to exceed forty editions, maintaining its deep connection to local products and flavors while contributing to the promotion of the village and its traditions.

Gastronomy: the lentil takes center stage

The heart of the festival is the traditional cuisine served by local chefs and restaurateurs. The lentil is the true star, served as a soup or accompanied by toasted bread, but the menu offers a wide range of specialties:

• Traditional lentil soup
• Fried pizzas (pizze fritte), the classic fried leavened dough
• First courses of Abruzzese cuisine
• Stewed tripe and typical main courses
• Artisan desserts
• Local wine, beer, and a cocktail bar serving mojitos and Campari

Music, entertainment, and atmosphere

As the stalls open in the late afternoon, the village lights up across its squares and alleys. Evenings continue with live music, performances, and DJ sets beneath the medieval towers, while spaces like Piazza Marconi and Largo del Torrione host concerts and aperitifs. There are also photo exhibitions dedicated to the history of Alanno and artisan stalls lining the village streets.

A village between the Majella and Gran Sasso

From the outdoor tables and the village's scenic viewpoint, the view embraces the Majella and Gran Sasso massifs, in a landscape that makes Borgo in Sagra much more than just a food festival. Admission to the event is completely free, and every evening the historic center of Alanno welcomes visitors from all over Abruzzo to share in the food, music, and conviviality.