CioccolaTeano

CioccolaTeano, the sweet kermesse of the Sidicino town

Every year, in the first half of October, the historic center of Teano — the ancient Teanum Sidicinum, in the heart of the Alto Casertano area — fills with the scent of cocoa for CioccolaTeano, a festival entirely dedicated to artisanal chocolate. It is the most anticipated and well-attended event in the municipality of Teano, in the province of Caserta, and one of the most popular gourmet appointments in Campania: a taste trail that winds through squares, alleys, and stairways, where master chocolatiers work in plain sight and visitors can taste, purchase, and learn.

A story that began in 2005

The event is organized by the Pro Loco Teano «Teanum Sidicinum», which hosted its first edition in 2005. It started with just three exhibitors; by 2011 there were thirteen, and in the following years, the festival grew to occupy the entire historic center and span two consecutive weekends. The eighteenth edition took place in 2024, a milestone that testifies to a rare continuity for a festival born from local volunteer work and grown without losing its family-friendly dimension.

The taste trail through the squares

The heart of the event is Piazza Duomo, the «taste square», where the chocolatiers' stands and musical stages are concentrated. From there, the itinerary continues towards Piazza Municipio, Piazza della Vittoria, and Piazza XXIII Settembre, crossing Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Each square has a different vocation: one is dedicated to the palate, one reserved for children's entertainment, and one hosting evening concerts. The result is a continuous stroll, without tickets or fences, where the town itself becomes the stage.

What to taste

• Artisanal chocolate bars, pralines, and spreads;
• Chocolate sculptures created live by master chocolatiers;
• Chocolate-covered dried fruit and artisanal candies;
• Crêpes, fried pastries, and hot chocolate;
• Guanti, the typical local traditional pastry, with its characteristic crown shape and scents of lemon, anise, and vermouth;
• Local wines and craft beers, as well as stalls with savory specialties for those looking for a break from the sweets.

Culture, archaeology, and guided tours

CioccolaTeano is not just about gastronomy. For several editions, the Pro Loco has complemented the stalls with a cultural program featuring free guided tours of the city's monuments and hidden gems: the Archaeological Museum of Teanum Sidicinum, the Cathedral, and the exhibition spaces of the Sala dell'Annunziata. The 2024 edition also included a walk along the route of the Via Francigena that crosses the Sidicino territory. It is an intelligent way to use the festival as a gateway to a heritage that many visitors discover for the first time.

Music, entertainment, and families

The festival's soundtrack is provided by local bands and DJs, who take turns in the squares until late. For children, there are art workshops, inflatables, mascots, archery, and a climbing wall with qualified instructors: an offering that makes CioccolaTeano one of the most popular Sunday outings of the Caserta autumn for families.

When and how to participate

The event is traditionally held on the weekends of October, with stands opening on Saturday afternoon and evening, and on Sunday for lunch and dinner. Admission is free: you only pay for what you taste or take home. Dates and the detailed program are announced by the Pro Loco Teano in the preceding weeks, usually between the end of September and the first days of October.