Croccante Festival

The Croccante Festival in Forme

Every summer, the charming village of Forme, located in the municipality of Massa d'Albe in the province of L'Aquila, hosts one of the most anticipated culinary events in the Marsica region: the Croccante Festival. Traditionally held in August in the intimate setting of Piazza della Chiesa, at the foot of the church of San Teodoro Martire, the event turns the entire village into a lively open-air community celebration.

Croccante, the village's signature dessert

The undisputed star of the evening is croccante, the traditional dessert of Forme made with only three simple, genuine ingredients: almonds, sugar, and honey. Its origins are rooted in the village's peasant past: families grew almond trees and, after selling most of the harvest, transformed the remaining almonds into a precious treat, offered as a gift at weddings and major festivals. The recipe, passed down through generations by the local women, has become a staple in cookbooks across the entire Marsica region.

Croccante sculptures

What makes this festival unique is the artistic crafting of the dessert: every year, the local artisans mold hundreds of pounds of croccante into true sculptures, often reproducing monuments and iconic landmarks of the area. This masterpiece of sweetness has crossed local borders: a replica of St. Peter's Square made entirely of Forme croccante was even donated to Pope Francis.

Tastes and flavors of Abruzzo

In addition to croccante, food stalls managed by local associations offer a rich menu of traditional Abruzzese cuisine: pasta e fagioli, pasta alla pecorara, arrosticini, sausages, pecorino cheese, pecora al cotturo, and regional wines. It is a complete showcase of the genuine flavors of the Marsica region.

Music, folklore, and community

The evening is brought to life by live folk and traditional music, creating a convivial atmosphere for visitors and locals alike. The festival is organized by the cultural association Quiss'elle Forme, with the patronage of the Municipality of Massa d'Albe, and has grown over the years to attract thousands of people from across the region, establishing itself as one of the most iconic summer events in the Marsica area of Abruzzo.