Campli Porchetta Italica Festival

The oldest food festival in Abruzzo

The Campli Porchetta Italica Festival, held in the municipality of Campli in the province of Teramo (Abruzzo), began in August 1964 and is considered the region's oldest food festival, ranking among the first in Italy after the historic Alba White Truffle Fair. From its very first edition, it was an unexpected success: twenty-four producers participated and over eighty porchettas were sold in just a few hours. Since then, every August, the medieval village at the foot of the Monti Gemelli comes alive to celebrate the territory's signature product.

An ancient tradition

The porchetta of Campli has deep roots in a centuries-old tradition: pork processing in the area dates back to the Pretuzi people, as evidenced by swine remains found in the nearby Campovalano Necropolis, and production was regulated by municipal statutes as early as 1578. The artisanal preparation starts with the selection of locally sourced pork, followed by deboning, salting, manual tying, the ancient technique of seasoning with herbs and spices from the Monti Gemelli, and finally, slow roasting in a wood-fired oven.

The competition of the master porchetta makers

The heart of the festival is the competition among master porchetta makers: a jury of experts evaluates the entries and awards a trophy to the best one, a prestigious recognition for local producers. Every year, over two hundred porchettas are prepared and approximately one hundred thousand sandwiches are served to the public, confirming the event's immense popularity.

More than just food

Beyond the tastings, the squares and streets of Campli's historic center host live music, DJ sets, performances, and markets featuring local products and handicrafts. The atmosphere is that of a traditional Abruzzese village feast, complete with free shuttles, parking, information points, and guided tours of the village's historic and artistic heritage, including the famous Holy Staircase (Scala Santa).

Quality recognition

Since 2020, the Porchetta Italica Festival has received the prestigious "Quality Festival" recognition from UNPLI, which certifies its authenticity and its deep connection to local food and wine traditions. The event is organized by the Pro Loco "Città di Campli" with the support of the Municipality and is part of the "Campli Summer" calendar.