Castronovo Christmas Village

The Castronovo Christmas Village

The Christmas Village is an event that transforms the historic center of Castronovo—a small hamlet in the municipality of San Vincenzo Valle Roveto, in the province of L'Aquila—into a charming landscape of lights, flavors, and traditions every December. Created to celebrate the village's identity and cultural roots, the event is organized by the Pro Loco of Castronovo and has become a staple gathering that draws visitors from across the Valle Roveto and the Marsica region.

A food and wine journey through the cellars

The heart of the festival is the food and wine trail that winds through the village's narrow alleys and small squares. Ancient cellars open their doors to visitors, becoming hubs of celebration and conviviality where one can taste traditional Christmas-themed dishes and select local wines. The themed cellars accompany these tastings with stories, dialect poetry, and historical memories, creating a slow-paced, immersive atmosphere that is the true hallmark of the event.

The storytelling cellar and the San Nicola barrel

A special highlight is the storytelling cellar, which revives the ancient tradition of the San Nicola barrel: a symbol of sharing and community rooted in the peasant custom of pooling the harvest wine for the holidays. Through ancestral tales, imagery, and personal accounts, the storytelling cellar preserves the collective memory of the village and passes it on to new generations.

Atmosphere, elves, and Santa Claus

The Christmas Village is also about magic and lightheartedness. As you wander the historic center, you might encounter little elves and witness the arrival of Santa Claus, who reaches the village on a very special vehicle to bring greetings and smiles while officially inaugurating the holiday season. It is an event designed for families and children, yet capable of delighting visitors of all ages.

Solidarity and local products

In recent editions, the event has combined gastronomy with social commitment through initiatives like the blind solidarity tasting, dedicated to Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wine and extra virgin olive oil from the Valle Roveto, with proceeds donated to local causes. It is a way to share the authentic spirit of Abruzzo through its flavors while strengthening the sense of community.

An authentic village in Abruzzo

San Vincenzo Valle Roveto is part of the 'Borghi Autentici d'Italia' (Authentic Villages of Italy) network, and the Christmas Village is one of its most heartfelt expressions: a village-scale festival that, amidst lights, wine, and traditions, invites you to discover a fascinating and lesser-known corner of inland Abruzzo, bordering the Lazio region.