Cherry Festival

The Cherry Festival of Giuliano Teatino

The Cherry Festival is one of the longest-running and most beloved food and wine events in the Teatine area. It takes place in Giuliano Teatino, a small hillside town in the province of Chieti, in the heart of Abruzzo, between late May and early June, when the cherries reach their peak ripeness. The heart of the festivities is Piazza Don Ferdinando Cocco, where stalls, tastings, performances, and community gatherings fill the day.

The fruit that defines the territory

Giuliano Teatino is considered one of the leading cherry producers in the Teatine area: cherry cultivation has deep roots in this hilly landscape, and local orchards, tended by generations of farmers, produce cherries prized for their sweetness and quality. The festival was created to showcase this agricultural heritage and pay tribute to the town's producers, celebrating the cherry as an authentic symbol of the community's identity.

What to expect at the festival

• Food stalls serving traditional Abruzzese dishes and offering tastings of fresh cherries and local products;
• The parade of allegorical floats, decorated with thematic displays, winding through the town streets;
• The "La ciliegina sulla torta" pastry competition, challenging amateurs and professionals to create the most delicious cherry-based dessert;
• The "La collina dei ciliegi" national painting competition, dedicated to artists capturing the town's scenery and local products;
• Live music and entertainment for all ages in a festive, popular atmosphere.

Sport and tradition: Ciliegie in Corsa

The event is accompanied by Ciliegie in Corsa, a running race included in the Corrilabruzzo UISP circuit and organized with the technical support of Runners Pescara. The race, featuring both competitive and non-competitive routes through the cherry-covered hills, adds a sporting dimension to the festival and includes dedicated races for children. The participants' race pack naturally includes local cherries.

A community staple

Organized by the Pro Loco in collaboration with the Municipality of Giuliano Teatino, the Cherry Festival is now a classic of the Abruzzese spring calendar. With decades of history behind it, it remains a perfect opportunity to discover an authentic village in the province of Chieti, savor seasonal fruits, and experience the genuine hospitality of a town that has made the cherry its banner.