Chestnut Festival

An autumn festival in the heart of Cilento

When the chestnut groves surrounding the village turn a rusty hue and the scent of roasted chestnuts drifts through the alleys, Roccagloriosa celebrates its Chestnut Festival. It is the event that closes the festival season in this small town in the province of Salerno, Campania, restoring the intimate and convivial atmosphere of traditional rural gatherings to the village. This is not a mass-market event, but a genuine village celebration where visitors find themselves sitting at the same table as those who work in these woods all year round.

The chestnut, the absolute star

The fruit gives the festival its name and is the common thread throughout the day. Roasted chestnuts are prepared on the spot on perforated pans, right in front of the public, following a tradition passed down for generations. Alongside them, you will find traditional sweet treats and savory dishes of Cilento cuisine, often enriched with chestnut flour or pulp. Local new wine is always on the table: the festival falls around St. Martin's Day, when the barrels of new wine are traditionally opened across the South, and the bond between chestnuts and new wine is one of the most recognizable constants of the southern autumn.

• Freshly roasted chestnuts cooked in the village squares
• Traditional chestnut-based desserts
• Savory dishes from the Cilento rural kitchen
• New wine and local artisanal products

Folk music, crafts, and families

The gastronomic experience is intertwined with entertainment. Along the festival route, craft stalls showcase typical local products, while live folk music—featuring drums, accordions, and traditional Cilento songs—accompanies the tastings until evening. There are also activities designed for children and families, with workshops focused on the themes of the forest and harvesting. This programming makes the festival suitable for those traveling with small children, avoiding the crowds of large summer events.

Roccagloriosa, a village worth the trip

Roccagloriosa sits at an altitude of about 430 meters, a short distance from the Gulf of Policastro, within the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The village preserves a significant archaeological heritage: the Lucanian walls dating back to the 4th century BC and the Antiquarium, which houses artifacts from the excavations of the ancient settlement. Those who climb up to the village for the festival can combine the food and wine experience with a visit covering over two thousand years of history, including fortified ruins, churches, and views that stretch to the sea. The hamlet of Acquavena completes the municipal territory.

When it takes place

The festival is traditionally held in November: the 2025 edition took place on November 11th, St. Martin's Day. The dates for the 2026 edition have not yet been officially announced: it is advisable to check for updates on the Roccagloriosa municipal channels and Cilento event portals before setting off.

Why it is worth visiting

In a region where there are hundreds of festivals, the Roccagloriosa Chestnut Festival remains true to its scale: few stalls, products that truly come from the area, affordable prices, and a community that welcomes guests without putting on a show. For those who want to get to know Cilento outside the beach season, when the villages return to their natural rhythms and the cuisine becomes richer and more substantial, it is one of the most sincere occasions of the year.