Farzora and Paparuli 'Mbuttunati Festival

A festival celebrating the rural cuisine of Sannio

The Farzora and Paparuli 'Mbuttunati Festival is one of the most anticipated summer culinary events in the municipality of Sant'Angelo a Cupolo, in the province of Benevento, Campania. Held in the village of Perrillo within the municipal park, it has been organized for nearly twenty years by the Pro Loco "Primavera '91" APS. The 2026 edition marks its eighteenth year, a testament to the enduring appeal that few small-town festivals manage to maintain.

The essence of the festival is simple and clear: to bring to the table two dishes that were staples in Sannio households when cooking followed the rhythms of the vegetable garden and the pig slaughter. There is nothing artificial here; the recipes are still those of local families, and the volunteers cooking are the very people who live in the village.

The farzora and the paparuli 'mbuttunati

The two stars of the show give the festival its name, and it is worth knowing them before you sit down to eat:

• The farzora — the dialect name refers to the large iron pan in which the dish is prepared. Diced pork, potatoes, and peppers are fried separately in the same oil and then combined, resulting in a savory, rustic, one-pot dish that smells like home cooking.
• The paparuli 'mbuttunati — whole red peppers, hollowed out and filled with breadcrumbs, eggs, and anchovies, then fried or baked. A humble filling that becomes surprisingly rich, typical of summer tables in this area.

Alongside these two signature dishes, the stalls offer handmade fusilli with ragù, local wine, and homemade desserts: a deliberately concise menu, designed to be executed perfectly night after night.

Three nights of festivities in the municipal park

The formula is tried and tested: the stalls open every evening at 8:30 PM, and the Perrillo municipal park transforms into a large open-air dining room, with tables under the trees and music accompanying the dinner. The entertainment program focuses on musical performances with Latin American and group dancing, a choice that has proven perfect over the years for families and those looking for a simple way to beat the summer heat.

Admission is free: you only pay for what you consume at the stalls, with affordable, small-town festival prices. It is a family-friendly event, thanks to the green space and the evening schedule.

Who organizes it

Behind the festival is the Pro Loco "Primavera '91" APS, based in Piazza San Matteo in Perrillo, which works year-round to promote the village. The event is held under the patronage of the Municipality of Sant'Angelo a Cupolo, UNPLI Benevento, the Pro Loco Padulese, and the Polo delle Associazioni of Sant'Angelo a Cupolo: a local network that ensures the event's stability.

Perrillo, a stone's throw from Benevento

Sant'Angelo a Cupolo is located on the hills surrounding Benevento, in an area of olive groves and vineyards that is the heart of the Sannio region. Its proximity to the provincial capital makes the festival easily accessible even for those staying in the city, and it can be combined with a day of sightseeing, including the Arch of Trajan, the Roman Theatre, and the UNESCO-listed Church of Santa Sofia. For those traveling in Campania in search of authentic, non-touristy flavors, an evening in Perrillo is more eloquent than many guidebooks.

Tips for your visit

• Arrive early, around the time the stalls open: lines get longer later on, especially on weekends.
• Plan to park on the streets around the municipal park, which fill up quickly during festival nights.
• Check dates and programs on the Pro Loco "Primavera '91" channels, as they publish the event poster just a few days before.