Croce Verde Festival

A charity festival in the heart of Villa Rosa

The Croce Verde Festival is one of the most cherished summer events in Villa Rosa, a bustling seaside district of the Martinsicuro municipality, located at the northern tip of the Abruzzo coast in the province of Teramo, right on the banks of the Tronto river which marks the border with the Marche region. Every year, in the height of summer, the Pinetina in Via Filzi transforms for three nights into a vibrant open-air gathering spot, where the aromas of local cuisine, music, and conviviality mingle under the pine trees.

A charitable mission

What makes this festival special is its heart of gold: the event is organized and entirely managed by the volunteers of Croce Verde P.A. Onlus, the public assistance association of Villa Rosa that provides medical rescue and patient transport. The proceeds from the evenings are dedicated to supporting the association's activities, from purchasing equipment to maintaining rescue vehicles. Attending the festival means enjoying a fun-filled evening while contributing to a vital cause for the community.

Teramo cuisine on the table

The heart of the festival is its gastronomy, with a menu that highlights the typical dishes of the Teramo and Abruzzo traditions. Among the offerings at the stalls:

• Chitarrina alla teramana with pallottine (small meatballs), the iconic first course of local cuisine;
• Mezze maniche alla norcina;
• Arrosticini (sheep skewers), cooked over charcoal;
• Sausage sandwiches and cheese fritters;
• Pecora alla callara (traditional stewed mutton), typically served on Saturday night;
• Fritters, french fries, and, to finish, slices of fresh watermelon.

Live music and raffle

The evenings are always accompanied by live music, with bands and tribute acts enlivening the pine forest until late, ranging from Italian music classics to covers of beloved singer-songwriters. The final evening is traditionally dedicated to the charity raffle draw, the highlight that concludes the event with prizes and enthusiastic public participation.

An event for everyone

Set just a stone's throw from the sea in an informal, family-friendly setting, the Croce Verde Festival attracts both residents and tourists vacationing on the Teramo coast. It is a perfect opportunity to discover the authentic flavors of Abruzzo, enjoy the cool breeze of the pine forest on August evenings, and support local volunteer efforts.