Chestnut and Potato Festival

An autumn celebration at the foot of the Laga Mountains

The Chestnut and Potato Festival is the event that brings the mountain village of Valle Castellana to life every autumn. Located in the province of Teramo, nestled in the heart of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, just a stone's throw from the border with the Marche region, this 41st edition is organized by the Associazione La Valle and has become one of the most awaited gastronomic highlights of the Teramo autumn.

Marroni and mountain potatoes take center stage

The heart of the festival lies in the famous Valle Castellana marroni and mountain potatoes, the symbolic products of this rugged and generous land. Roasted chestnuts fill the village streets with their aroma, while food stalls offer simple yet flavorful cuisine, rooted in the traditions of the past:

• Roasted chestnuts and raw marroni available for purchase
• Steaming polenta and handmade gnocchi
• Chickpeas, tender meat stews, and traditional peasant dishes
• Typical desserts from the Teramo mountains
• A menu inspired by the villages and castles of the valley, guardians of precious local goodness

Music, markets, and woodland walks

Beyond the food, the festival offers two days of celebration with markets featuring local products and handicrafts, Abruzzese folk music echoing through the village streets, and dance evenings that bring together young people and families alike. On Sunday morning, a free ecological walk sets off through beech and chestnut forests, allowing visitors to admire the autumn foliage and the vibrant colors of the Laga woods.

A village between Abruzzo and nature

Valle Castellana is a scattered municipality made up of numerous hamlets, castles, and villages perched along the Laga valleys: a landscape of woods, streams, and ancient mills that lights up with seasonal colors in autumn. The festival is the perfect opportunity to discover this lesser-known corner of the Abruzzo mountains, combining great food with the discovery of a fascinating natural and cultural heritage.

Visitor services

To facilitate access, a free shuttle bus service runs continuously on Sunday from the parking areas to the center of the festival. Admission to the event is free.