Crayfish and Trout Festival

The longest-running festival in Popoli Terme

The Crayfish and Trout Festival is the signature gastronomic event of Popoli Terme, in the province of Pescara, in the heart of Abruzzo. Established around the 1960s, it is one of the oldest and most cherished festivals in the region: by 2016, it had already reached its 57th edition, a testament to a tradition that has been renewed every Ferragosto for over half a century. Organized by Pro Loco Popoli with the patronage of the Municipality, it attracts visitors from all over Abruzzo every year.

River crayfish and Pescara trout

The absolute stars are two products inextricably linked to the crystal-clear waters of the Pescara river and the numerous springs that flow in the Popoli area: river crayfish and trout. Popoli, not surprisingly nicknamed the "city of waters," has made these river delicacies a true hallmark of its identity. During the festival, dishes are prepared according to local traditional recipes, but there are also more contemporary interpretations, accompanied by local wines and craft beers.

A well-oiled organization

The event takes place in Piazza della Libertà, the heart of the historic center, where food stalls are set up. The organization is taken care of down to the smallest detail: dishes are served directly to the tables by Pro Loco staff, so the only queue you have to join is at the checkout. A model that has made the festival a benchmark for quality popular dining in Abruzzo.

Music, markets, and shows

In addition to gastronomy, the festival offers a rich entertainment program: concerts, folk performances, evening markets with local crafts along the streets of the center, and shows designed for families and children. The Ferragosto evenings in Popoli Terme thus become an occasion for a collective celebration that combines flavors, music, and tradition.

Popoli Terme, the village of waters

Located at the confluence of important communication routes between the Peligna Valley and the Pescara Valley, Popoli Terme is a village rich in history, springs, and thermal heritage. The Crayfish and Trout Festival represents the moment when the community celebrates its bond with water and a unique culinary tradition in Abruzzo, offering residents and tourists an authentic experience in the middle of summer.