Che ci Salta in Menta
Two days of flavor, tradition, and music in the heart of Alta Irpinia
About Che ci Salta in Menta
The Mint Festival in the village of Nusco
«Che ci Salta in Menta» is the summer event that brings the historic center of Nusco, a town in the province of Avellino, Campania, to life every July. The theme is clear from the name, which plays on an Italian idiom: mint, a wild aromatic herb found throughout the hills of Alta Irpinia, becomes the inspiration for two evenings dedicated to celebrating the local territory, its products, and its traditional crafts.
The event is organized by the Pro Loco Nusco Balcone dell'Irpinia APS, with the patronage of the Municipality of Nusco. According to the president, Enzo Della Vecchia, the event was established about twenty-five years ago and has since become a staple of the Irpinian summer.
A festival rooted in rustic cuisine
In the culinary tradition of this part of Irpinia, mint is far more than a garnish: it is a key ingredient in preserves, vegetable dishes, and the humble recipes born in peasant kitchens. Its most iconic symbol is the pizzillu, a mint-infused bread prepared live during the festival, showcasing the entire production chain from grain to flour to the final bake.
Surrounding this specialty are the food stalls set up along the village streets, offering traditional local dishes made with farm-to-table ingredients sourced from local farms. In recent years, the festival has embraced sustainability and inclusivity, featuring Plastic Free initiatives as well as gluten-free and lactose-free options.
Workshops, guided tours, and ancient crafts
The program goes well beyond food. Over the two days, visitors can enjoy:
- Guided tours of Nusco's historic center, led by Pro Loco volunteers (by reservation);
- Children's workshops, grouped under the title «La bottega del fare» (The Workshop of Doing), dedicated to traditional skills and crafts;
- The «L'arte ri li furgiari ri Nuscu» demonstration, showcasing the ancient local craft of blacksmithing;
- Photography exhibitions and video screenings documenting past editions and village life;
- Public discussions, such as the «Menta in diretta» forum hosted in collaboration with the Youth Council.
Live music in the squares
In the evening, the focus shifts to the main stage. Each day concludes with a live concert followed by a DJ set, featuring regional bands and popular tribute acts. For those staying in the food area, the festival has introduced a large LED Wall that broadcasts the concerts from the main square, ensuring you don't miss a thing while dining. The event is also covered live by Radio Punto Nuovo, featuring interviews with visitors and organizers.
Fifty years of the Pro Loco
The 2026 edition held special significance: the Pro Loco Nusco celebrated its fiftieth anniversary (1976-2026) during the two-day mint festival. Also in 2026, the registered trademark for the event logo and the official menu were unveiled, marking the evolution of a festival that has become increasingly structured while remaining a self-funded village celebration driven by volunteers.
Nusco, the Balcony of Irpinia
Nusco is known as the Balcony of Irpinia due to its elevated panoramic position overlooking the valleys of Alta Irpinia. The historic center, with its narrow alleys and stairways, serves as the natural stage for the event: stalls, workshops, and exhibits are spread across the squares and streets of the village, which for two nights fills up with residents, returning emigrants, and visitors from neighboring towns.
When to go
«Che ci Salta in Menta» typically takes place in mid-July, over two consecutive days (Friday and Saturday), starting in the late afternoon and continuing late into the night. It is an ideal stop to combine with a weekend exploring Alta Irpinia, with its villages, inland areas, and high-quality agricultural products.
Che ci Salta in Menta — edition 2026
Fifty years of Pro Loco
The 2026 edition of «Che ci Salta in Menta» took place in the historic center of Nusco on Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, with an added symbolic value: the event celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the Pro Loco Nusco Balcone dell'Irpinia APS, founded in 1976.
Among the novelties presented this year were the registered trademark for the event's logo and menu, a food area equipped with tables and a large LED Wall broadcasting the main square's concerts live, and a consistent focus on sustainability and inclusivity: Plastic Free initiatives, gluten-free and lactose-free options, and farm-to-table products supplied by local agricultural businesses.
Two days covered live
The two days were followed live on the radio by Radio Punto Nuovo, with interviews featuring organizers, producers, and visitors. The first evening saw high participation in the village, amidst aromas, flavors, and music; on Saturday, the program resumed in the late afternoon, with the festival area opening around 6:00 PM.
Mint takes center stage
At the heart of the stalls, as always, was the mint of Alta Irpinia and the pizzillu, the aromatic bread prepared live while telling the story of the supply chain from grain to flour. Alongside the gastronomy, demonstrations of traditional crafts and workshops for children confirmed the dual nature of the festival: both delicious and educational.
Programme Che ci Salta in Menta 2026
Friday, July 17, 2026
- Opening of the festival area and food stalls in the historic center, with farm-to-table products and gluten-free/lactose-free options
- Guided tours of the village of Nusco by reservation (contacts: Mario Gaudiello, tel. 340 2645579; Alessandro Ebreo, tel. 349 5623445)
- «La bottega del fare», a children's workshop dedicated to traditional skills
- «L'arte ri li furgiari ri Nuscu», a demonstration dedicated to the ancient craft of local blacksmiths
- Live preparation of pizzillu, the mint bread, with a story of the chain from grain to flour
- Photography exhibitions and video screenings
- Live radio broadcast by Radio Punto Nuovo with live interviews
- Live concert by Amba-Aradam followed by a DJ set
Saturday, July 18, 2026
- Reopening of the festival area from 6:00 PM, with food stalls and a dining area equipped with tables and a large LED Wall
- New round of guided tours of the historic center by reservation
- Children's workshops and traditional craft demonstrations
- «Menta in diretta», a public discussion hosted with the Youth Council
- Continued live radio coverage by Radio Punto Nuovo
- Concert by the tribute band 838 – Max Pezzali Tribute Band followed by a DJ set
Exact times for individual activities were published by Pro Loco Nusco on their social media channels in the days leading up to the event.
Highlights Che ci Salta in Menta 2026
- 50 years of Pro Loco Nusco (1976-2026) celebrated during the two days
- Concert by Amba-Aradam (Friday 17) and 838 – Max Pezzali Tribute Band (Saturday 18), with DJ sets both evenings
- Live preparation of pizzillu, the mint bread, from grain to flour
- «L'arte ri li furgiari ri Nuscu», dedicated to the blacksmith's craft
- Children's workshop «La bottega del fare»
- Guided tours of the historic center of the Balcony of Irpinia
- Food area with large LED Wall to follow concerts while dining
- Farm-to-table products, Plastic Free initiatives, gluten-free and lactose-free offerings
- Presentation of the registered trademark for the event logo and menu
Prices Che ci Salta in Menta 2026
Practical information — Che ci Salta in Menta
How to get there
By car: Nusco can be reached via the A16 Naples-Bari motorway, exiting at Lioni-Grottaminarda and continuing on the state road towards Nusco. From Avellino, the town is less than an hour away.
By train and bus: The reference railway station is Avellino; from there, connections to Alta Irpinia are provided by regional buses. In summer, service is reduced on holidays, so it is best to check schedules in advance.
Where it takes place
Stalls, workshops, and stages are set up in the historic center of Nusco (83051, province of Avellino). The village is hilly: comfortable shoes are recommended. Parking is available in areas just outside the town, with a short walk to the festival squares.
Information and reservations
Organized by Pro Loco Nusco Balcone dell'Irpinia APS ([email protected], tel. +39 327 7939080). Guided tours can be booked by contacting the representatives listed on the Pro Loco social media channels.
Tips
We recommend arriving around the time the stalls open in the late afternoon to enjoy the workshops and tours before the evening concerts. Those with specific dietary needs will find gluten-free and lactose-free options available.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Che ci Salta in Menta
Centro storico di Nusco
Via San Giovanni 2, 83051 Nusco