Corsa delle Scappavie Angolane

The Corsa delle Scappavie Angolane in Città Sant'Angelo

In the heart of the historic center of Città Sant'Angelo, one of the most beautiful villages in the province of Pescara, Abruzzo, one of the most original and heartfelt events of the summer takes place: the Corsa delle Scappavie Angolane. This is no ordinary race; it is a re-enactment of an ancient pastime—the scappavia descent—that entertained generations of local children along the town's steep slopes.

What are scappavie?

Scappavie are handcrafted wooden boards mounted on wheels, which children used to use to zoom down the village's sloping streets. The event brings this popular tradition back to life: teams build or adapt their own vehicles and challenge each other on a course set up along Corso Vittorio Emanuele, complete with chicanes, curves, and obstacles made from tires and hay bales. For safety reasons, all participants must wear protective gear: helmets, gloves, knee pads, and elbow pads.

An event bridging memory and community

The race is much more than a competition: it is a collective celebration that blends nostalgia, creativity, and a sense of belonging. The evening before the race is dedicated to memories with the storytelling event La scappavia nei nostri ricordi: racconta la tua storia (Scappavie in our memories: tell your story), where locals share anecdotes and recollections linked to this game. The competition is held in memory of Paolo Antonilli, with the awarding of the Paolo Antonilli Memorial Trophy.

The atmosphere of the Pizza Party

The event concludes with the famous Pizza Party, featuring live music and community participation—a convivial occasion that turns the race into a true village festival to bid farewell to summer. Admission is free, and the initiative, promoted by the Associazione Meccaniche Divine with the patronage of the Municipality of Città Sant'Angelo, celebrates the history and imagination of the local area.

The village of Città Sant'Angelo

Perched on a hill just a few kilometers from the Adriatic coast, Città Sant'Angelo is an elegant medieval village in the Abruzzo Region, rich in churches, historic palaces, and panoramic views over the Fino valley. Attending the Corsa delle Scappavie is the perfect opportunity to discover the historic center, its cobbled streets, and the warm hospitality of the local people.