Chestnut Festival

The chestnut, the iconic fruit of the Montoro autumn

Every October, the town of Montoro, in the province of Avellino, dedicates several days to the fruit that best captures the essence of the Irpinian autumn: the chestnut. The Chestnut Festival takes place in the hamlet of Sant'Eustachio, transforming a local green space into a lively village gathering spot where people eat, chat, and enjoy live music until late in the evening.

While Montoro is primarily known for its copper-skinned onion, the chestnut groves covering the hills have always been a vital part of the local landscape and economy. The festival was created to celebrate this heritage and bring back the recipes that local families have prepared for generations, dating back to when the chestnut harvest marked the agricultural calendar of the entire valley.

The Parco del Sole, the heart of the event

Since 2025, the festival has been held at the Parco del Sole on Via Flavita in Sant'Eustachio di Montoro. This easily accessible outdoor venue features ample parking and hosts the food stalls, the music stage, and a dedicated area for children. In previous years, the event was already well-established in the same hamlet, sometimes spanning two consecutive weekends, a testament to its popularity that extends well beyond just three evenings.

What to eat

The culinary journey revolves entirely around the chestnut, featured in everything from main courses to desserts. Highlights that return year after year include:

• Scialatielli with porcini mushrooms and chestnuts, the festival's most popular dish;
• Chestnut and bean soup and autumn-style pennette;
• Freshly roasted chestnuts;
• Chestnut calzoncelli, chestnut tart, and chestnut log cake;
• Grilled cheese, sausage, sandwiches, and wood-fired pizza.

The organizers also note the availability of gluten-free options. Admission to the area is free; you only pay for what you consume at the stalls according to the posted menu prices.

Live music and family fun

The evenings are filled with live music and entertainment, with a dedicated play area for children, making the festival perfect for families. The atmosphere is typical of traditional Campanian food festivals: outdoor tables, fairy lights among the trees, and a crowd drawn primarily from the Irno Valley and the Agro Nocerino region, as well as from nearby Salerno and Avellino, both just a few kilometers from the highway junction.

A staple of the Irpinian festival circuit

The Chestnut Festival is part of the autumn calendar in Campania and is featured on the "Sistema Irpinia" portal of the Province of Avellino, which tracks regional events. In some years, it has been held alongside other Montoro events focused on seasonal products, such as "Le Notti di Bacco," creating an extended weekend dedicated to autumn flavors.

Organizers

The event is organized by DBR Service Srl, the company that manages the Parco del Sole and coordinates the stalls, kitchen, and musical program. Updated information on dates and times is primarily shared via the Parco del Sole Facebook page and the company's contact numbers; it is advisable to check these before traveling, as the schedule may shift by a few weeks from year to year.