Dining with the Summer Truffle of Catignano

The Catignano Summer Truffle Festival

Dining with the Summer Truffle of Catignano is the food and wine event that celebrates the most iconic product of the territory in the municipality of Catignano, in the province of Pescara: the summer truffle, commonly known as scorzone. The festival takes place in the heart of the village, between Piazza G. Marconi and Corso Umberto, effectively launching the town's summer season as part of the rich municipal "Luci d'Estate" (Summer Lights) program.

Catignano, City of the Truffle

Catignano is the first and only municipality in the province of Pescara to have obtained the title of "City of the Truffle," a recognition awarded in 2024 by the National Association of Truffle Cities. The village, nestled on the hills overlooking the Val di Nora, protects woods where various varieties of truffles are harvested, from the prized white and black to the summer scorzone that stars in this festival. The black summer truffle (Tuber aestivum) owes its name to its dark, rough skin that contrasts with its light-colored flesh; it is harvested from May to August and possesses a delicate aroma reminiscent of porcini mushrooms.

A popular festive atmosphere

The event combines taste and conviviality in a typically Abruzzese village festival atmosphere. Every evening, food stalls offer dishes based on local summer truffle, while the village restaurants prepare dedicated themed menus. Along Corso Umberto, craft markets showcase local products and traditional handiwork. Live music enlivens the squares with group dancing, comedy shows, and karaoke evenings that last until late at night, featuring the unmissable free midnight spaghetti feast.

More than just a party: truffle culture

Alongside the social moments, the festival also makes space for cultural exploration: conferences and meetings with experts recount the history, harvesting, and secrets of this "black gold of the earth," promoting the local supply chain and the traditions of the Val di Nora. It is a way to link the pleasure of the table with the knowledge of a natural and gastronomic heritage that makes Catignano a reference point in Abruzzo for truffle lovers.

A biennial event

The festival is held every two years and attracts visitors from all over the province of Pescara and Abruzzo to the small town of Catignano, all eager to discover an excellent product in an authentic and hospitable setting. Admission is completely free.