Crayfish and Trout Festival

The Crayfish and Trout Festival in Bussi sul Tirino

The Crayfish and Trout Festival is the premier summer food and wine event in Bussi sul Tirino, a small village in the province of Pescara nestled in the Tirino Valley, Abruzzo. Passionately organized by the Pro Loco of Bussi sul Tirino, the event is traditionally held on the first Saturday and Sunday of August within the green setting of Parco della Quercia Rossa, the town's municipal park.

The flavor of Italy's clearest river

The heart of the festival lies in the products of the Tirino, considered one of the clearest rivers in Italy, which originates from the karst springs of Capo d'Acqua at the foot of the Gran Sasso. Its crystal-clear waters provide the stars of the traditional dishes: river crayfish and trout, prepared according to local recipes.

• Gamberi in purgatorio (crayfish in tomato sauce), the festival's signature dish
• Trout pasta
• Chitarra ai gamberi, featuring the typical Abruzzo pasta
• Local bruschetta and appetizers
• Local wines and craft beers

Music, celebration, and family

Beyond the food stalls, each edition offers evening entertainment: Saturday features a DJ set for dancing late into the night, while Sunday showcases a live orchestra playing folk music and ballroom classics. There is also an area dedicated to children and families with simple games and activities for all ages, making the festival a great event for a wide audience.

A village to discover in the Gran Sasso Park

The festival is also an excellent opportunity to visit Bussi sul Tirino, considered the southern gateway to the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. The Tirino River Visitor Center, canoe trips on the river's transparent waters, and the trails of the Tirino Valley complete an experience that combines gastronomy, nature, and folk tradition in the heart of Abruzzo.