Farmer's Festival

A festival that tells the story of rural life

The Farmer's Festival is one of the most deeply rooted summer events in the Val di Sangro. It takes place in Montemarcone, a district of the municipality of Atessa, in the province of Chieti, in the heart of Abruzzo. Founded in the early eighties, the festival has surpassed forty editions and has become a fixed appointment on the August calendar, attracting locals, emigrants returning for the summer, and visitors from neighboring towns.

The rural roots of the Valley

The event was created to revive and pass on the traditions and rural culture that have long defined the identity of the Atessa community in the valley. In a territory marked by the transition from agriculture to the industry of the nearby Val di Sangro hub, the festival keeps alive the memory of field work, ancient crafts, and the flavors of humble Abruzzese cuisine.

The festival program

The Farmer's Festival is spread over several evenings in Piazza Ignazio Silone in Montemarcone, with a rich program of cultural, gastronomic, and musical events. Recurring highlights include:

• the awards ceremony for historic agricultural businesses that have been operating in Atessa for over fifty years, with plaques presented by the municipal administration;
• the farmers' food festival with tastings of traditional local dishes;
• dialect theater performances featuring local companies;
• concerts and dance evenings with orchestras and musical groups;
• creative workshops, inflatables, and children's entertainment, making the festival suitable for the whole family;
• the unmissable prize draw at the end of the event.

Gastronomy and tradition

The heart of the festival remains the table: the Pro Loco stands offer dishes from Abruzzese peasant cuisine, from homemade pasta to grilled meats, accompanied by typical products of the Val di Sangro. It is an opportunity to rediscover simple, genuine recipes passed down from generation to generation.

A celebration of identity

Organized by the Pro Loco Val di Sangro Atessa APS with the patronage of the Municipality of Atessa, the Farmer's Festival is much more than a summer fair: it is a community moment where the town gathers to celebrate its origins. Those visiting Montemarcone during these days will find an authentic welcome and a festive atmosphere that unites multiple generations.