Cece d'Oro

The signature pastry of Christmas in Pratola

In the heart of the Peligna Valley, nestled between the Majella and Morrone massifs, the town of Pratola Peligna (L'Aquila province, Abruzzo) preserves one of the most iconic Christmas confectionery traditions in the region: the ceci natalizi, also known as ceci ripieni. These are small, crescent-shaped pastries with a thin dough shell enclosing a soft filling of chickpea paste, cooked grape must, cocoa, and candied fruit. The Cece d'Oro, a gastronomic competition that transforms the town into a laboratory of flavors and memories every December, is dedicated to this specialty.

A competition that is also a community celebration

Organized by the Vivi Pratola Association, the Cece d'Oro traditionally takes place at the Pratola Peligna Senior Social Center, bringing together bakers, home cooks, and enthusiasts who present their own versions of these Christmas treats. Each recipe is submitted to the judgment of a panel of experts, which over the years has been chaired by renowned master pastry chefs such as Angelo Di Masso of the Pasticceria Pan Dell'Orso in Scanno. The evaluation criteria reward the balance of flavors, presentation, and above all, fidelity to the origins of the traditional recipe.

Music, tastings, and awards

The afternoon of the competition is not just about tasting. The sampling of the competing pastries is intertwined with a musical segment, often featuring operatic voices performing Christmas arias and classic melodies, providing the audience with an intimate and festive atmosphere. The day culminates with the announcement of the winner and the presentation of the award, in the presence of the municipal administration and city officials.

The Christmas preview in Pratola Peligna

For over twenty years, the Cece d'Oro has effectively opened the Pratola festive calendar: it is held in the first days of December and anticipates the lighting of the Christmas decorations and other events on the municipal program. It is an opportunity to rediscover an ancient recipe, passed down from generation to generation, and to promote the food and wine heritage of Pratola Peligna alongside other local excellences such as the Pratola beans.

Why participate

• Taste the famous Christmas chickpeas prepared according to dozens of different interpretations
• Experience an authentic tradition of the Peligna Valley, far from mass tourism circuits
• Attend the awards ceremony accompanied by live music and Christmas arias
• Discover Pratola Peligna, the gateway to the Majella National Park