Christmas Market and Corneglie Festival

The market that kicks off the Christmas season in Coreno

On December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Coreno Ausonio launches the holiday season with the Christmas Market and Corneglie Festival, one of the most cherished events in this village nestled in the Aurunci Mountains, in the province of Frosinone. For an entire day, the historic center and the scenic Piazza Umberto I transform into a trail of wooden stalls and food stands, brought to life by the music of bagpipers and the warm glow of Christmas lights.

Corneglie, the pastry that gives the festival its name

At the heart of the event are the corneglie, a traditional pastry from Coreno recognized as a Traditional Agri-food Product (PAT) of Lazio. These are small fried doughnuts made from mashed boiled potatoes, mixed with flour and yeast, and scented with orange zest, cinnamon, and raisins, then dusted with sugar. During the festival, the ladies of Coreno prepare them live, following a humble yet authentic recipe passed down through generations. Alongside the corneglie, there is no shortage of roasted chestnuts, fried salt cod, and local wine, all featured at the stalls set up along the village streets.

A market of crafts and tradition

The market brings together about forty exhibitors of handicrafts and local products: Christmas creations, handmade items, regional gastronomic specialties, and holiday gift ideas. The day is enlivened by street performers, jugglers, traditional musicians, and fire-eaters, who accompany visitors from stall to stall in a festive, popular atmosphere.

A day for families

The festival is designed primarily for families: the arrival of Santa Claus to collect letters, workshops and entertainment for children, the lighting of the Christmas tree, and closing performances mark the program from morning until evening. The event, organized by the Korinem Cultural Association with the support of the Municipality of Coreno Ausonio, combines conviviality with a focus on the community and the traditions of the village.

Coreno Ausonio, a village in the Aurunci Mountains

Also known for the prized pearl marble extracted from its quarries, Coreno Ausonio is a small town in Ciociaria, in southern Lazio, overlooking the valley and surrounded by the Aurunci peaks. The Corneglie Festival is the ideal opportunity to discover its historic center, its network of associations, and simple, genuine village cuisine during the most evocative time of the year.